NEW figures have shown that cases of diabetes are rising nationally.

Although in Bolton it is increasing by 2.06 per cent — lower than the average of 3.24 per cent — it is still a risk that some in the town will face in the future.

Official data shows that there are currently about 19,200 people in Bolton who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes

While Type 1 - where the patient does not produce insulin - cannot be prevented, many cases of Type 2 diabetes - which is where the patient does not produce enough insulin - can be by simple lifestyle changes.

Great Lever grandmother Ila Shah, aged 72, has fundraised for Diabetes UK since her husband Nanubhai died in November 2012 after living with the disease for 20 years.

She has spoken out during Diabetes Week, which runs until tomorrow, to advise people that a few lifestyle changes can help prevent it developing in the future.

"You can make small changes to your lifestyle such as going for a short walk or run if you can," she said. If you have other health complications then do some small chair exercises. It doesn't have to be anything too strenuous."

The couple moved from India to Bolton in the 1960s and worked as chartered accountants before Mr Shah's diagnosis in 1992.

Initially he was diagnosed with Type 2, which was controlled with medication and a change of diet, but seven years before his death he became insulin dependent.

She said: "It was difficult at first for him to accept such a big change in his life. Then gradually we learned how to live with it. We had to change his eating habits and his diet, and he was given medicine."

Since his death, Mrs Shah, of Southbrook Grove, has organised sponsored walks around Leverhulme Park to help raise vital funds for Diabetes UK — raising thousands of pounds in the process.

Before his death, the 78-year-old chartered accountant, who came to the UK from Bombay, India, in 1962, became insulin dependent and struggled to inject it.

She said: "My husband had heart problems so often struggled to exercise and would only come on walks to make me happy. But I could see that he got very breathless.

"That's why I do sponsored walks to try and encourage people to join in because it is something that almost everybody can do."

In Bolton, both primary care and at Royal Bolton Hospital, those at risk of developing the disease are offered a screening programme and advice about following a healthy lifestyle.

Dr Harnovdeep Bharaj, a consultant in diabetes at Royal Bolton Hospital, said: "In Bolton there are currently 19,200 people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. That is a lot of people and the figure is increasing. There are also a lot of people who are in the 'at risk' category for the disease.

"By following a low sugar, low fat diet and walking for about 20 minutes four times a day, you can reduce that risk of developing diabetes in the future."

This Diabetes Week, Diabetes UK is urging everyone with diabetes to seek out the support and education they need. Find out more at diabetes.org.uk/diabetesweek or search #DiabetesandMe on Twitter.