A charity has called on politicians to tackle "our broken food environment" amid an "alarming" increase in cases of Type 2 diabetes among young people. The charity estimates that the number of adults under 40 in Scotland diagnosed with the condition has climbed by 32%, from 6,293 in 2016/17 to 8,338 in 2022/23. The incidence has risen roughly twice as fast among young adults compared to the general population, with cases of diabetes as a whole - including the rarer Type 1 - up by just 16% overall during the same period.

Type 2 diabetes has historically been associated with older people, and still remains relatively rare - accounting of 2.5% of the known cases in Scotland. READ MORE: Obesity in an ageing population is 'biggest issue for NHS' Scottish study casts doubt on claims of Covid-diabetes link Cash incentives help men lose weight and 'could work on NHS', finds study However, the condition is known to have more severe and acute consequences in people under 40 and, without the right treatment and support, it can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure and heart disease.

Those who develop type 2 diabetes at a younger age are also more likely to die prematurely. Similar patterns are being seen nationally, with cases of diabetes among under-40s up by 39% UK-wide since 2016. In a report to be unveiled at the Houses of Parliament today, charity Diabetes UK said the figures were a "wake up call" as it urged the UK Government and policy makers to seize "a generation.