According to the data, obesity is thought to be the main cause behind the increase.
Diabetes UK’s chief executive Chris Askew said the figures were a ‘worrying wake up call’ and a ‘sad indictment of the health of our nation’.
It is estimated that nearly a third (30 per cent) of children aged two to 15 are currently obese or overweight – a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
The new report, published by NHS Digital, also shows that children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are not receiving the care they need to manage their condition, with only 30 per cent receiving the right support.
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