The NHS is facing a diabetes time bomb involving the future care of young patients across Sussex.

Hundreds of children and young adults with diabetes have high risk blood sugar levels that could lead to serious complications such as kidney failure, stroke and limb amputation.

A national audit of diabetes services and obesity also showed that younger people are less likely than adults to get all the basic care checks needed to monitor their condition.

This has prompted concerns that a large number of people with diabetes will need substantial hospital care in years to come.

The audit also shows obesity is more prevalent among children and younger adults with diabetes than older adults and the elderly.

Among younger adults with Type 2 diabetes, nine out of 10 are overweight or obese and the number of cases is rising each year.

The most recent figures show that out of 9,812 ten and 11 year olds in Year 6 in Brighton and Hove, 30.2% are overweight or obese, while one in five reception year children are also heavier than they should be.

In West Sussex the figures are 30.6% and 20.1% respectively and in East Sussex they are 30.7% and 21.6%.

The number of adults and children confirmed as diabetic across Sussex have gone up from 62,604 to 65,895 in just one year.

In Brighton and Hove alone cases rose from 8,642 to 9,120.

Brighton and Hove health promotion specialist David Brindley said: “We commission a wide range of different services to reduce obesity and the risks of acquiring diabetes.

“This includes free swimming for children under 12, health walks for all ages, and even exercise on prescription from a GP.

“So people should be able to find a physical activity that suits them and get all of the health benefits that exercise can bring."

Services in the city include a self management training programme.

All people diagnosed with diabetes are offered a structured education programme which covers a range of lifestyle issues, including diet and obesity.

Consultant Bob Young, from the National Diabetes Information Service, said: “Younger people make up a quarter of all those with diabetes yet have the highest risks of potentially preventable complications.

“If these risks could be reduced much future disability and shortened life expectancy could be prevented.”