LGA calls for diabetes ‘wake up call’

The Local Government Association (LGA) has warned that the number of children developing Type 2 diabetes will continue to rise unless the government issues a ‘wake up call’ and strengthens its childhood obesity strategy.

It cited new figures which showed that more than 500 children in the UK had Type 2 diabetes, as a result of unhealthy eating or lack of exercise. The councils said the data should serve as a ‘wake-up call’ to the nation and has called for
councils to be given more power to ban junk food advertising near schools. It has also recommended issuing teaspoon sugar labelling in fizzy drinks and greater provision of water in schools.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe, LGA community well-being spokeswoman, said: “Type 2 diabetes is normally associated with adults, so it is a major concern that we are seeing this in children and teenagers.

“This is a wake-up call for the nation as the government faces a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take radical game-changing action in its forthcoming childhood obesity strategy. We cannot afford to delay any longer.”