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The number of people with type 2 diabetes in Guernsey has risen according to the latest figures.

In the last two years 16% more patients have been referred to a special education class about the condition.

Type two diabetes is commonly associated with obesity and there has been concern for some years about the increase in cases.

Anne Kinch, a diabetes nurse, said they had seen a further rise and it was down to a lack of general fitness.

She said the huge number of young people who are now overweight and have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 29 was the most influential factor in the rise.

Another factor was the island's ageing population with older people more likely to develop the condition.

Ms Kinch said: "Weight loss is specifically important and probably even more than that is getting fitter, even people who carry a bit of extra weight but are fit have better odds for the future."