HEALTH bosses in Darlington are expressing concern that an explosion in cases of diabetes among the young in the area will put a strain on services.

Officials at Darlington Primary Care Trust said they have witnessed an "alarming" increase in the number of cases and they are concerned for residents' future health and the strain it could place on services.

The National Public Health Observatory estimates that 1,234 people in the borough will be totally unaware they even have diabetes, the signs and symptoms of which are "silent".

Nonnie Crawford, Darlington's director of public health, said: "There is an explosion of diabetes among people. If we don't do something about it we will be talking about a tenfold increase in the number of cases of diabetes associated with obesity in young people in ten years' time."

The increase in the number of cases is being blamed on modern lifestyles, with too much processed food and not enough exercise.

If left untreated diabetes can lead to long-term health problems, causing damage to blood vessels and leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, blindness and even gangrene, which can lead to limb amputations.

Liz Graham, clinical governance manager at Darlington PCT, said: "It's a lifestyle problem. In children it is down to low levels of physical activity. They are more likely to spend their lives sitting in front of the TV and computer than being outside playing. They also eat too much processed food that is high in sugar, which stays in the blood and damages arteries and capillaries."

The trust is carrying out health promotion work in schools, colleges, staff canteens and stores.

"It's everyone's responsibility, not just the health service's," said Mrs Graham.

It is also drawing up a diabetes register and has put a bid in for funding to buy screening equipment to help with diagnosis.

High risk groups include people with weight problems and those with a family history of diabetes. Symptoms include extreme thirst, excessive use of the toilet and lethargy.

The PCT is asking anyone who is concerned to contact their practice nurse.

Mrs Graham said: "If people do find they have a problem they shouldn't panic. Often a simple chat with a dietician can give them pointers to alter their eating habits and rectify the situation."