Diabetes is now affecting Britain significantly, as one in 20 people in the UK are now being treated for the condition.

Cases of diabetes have increased to 2.8 million, which is a 150,000 increase from last year, according to research by Diabetes UK.

In addition, one in ten people are now being treated for obesity, as the number of individuals registered as obese has increased to more than 5.5 million.

Simon O’Neill, Diabetes UK director of care, information and advocacy, said: "Once again we see a shocking rise in diabetes and obesity rates in the UK."

Mr O'Neill also added that people could improve their nutrition by eating their recommended five a day intake of fruit and engaging in daily exercise.

Meanwhile, a study by Cornell University, USA recently offered new methods that can be used to make healthy eating more appealing.

Researchers found that the sale of salad increased by 100 per cent after the food was moved to a colourful container, indicating that psychology could be effectively applied to school canteens.