The prevalence of type 1 diabetes among children and young people in England and Wales is on the increase and there is a significant regional disparity between the quality of care given to them, a report has warned.
The National Paediatric Diabetes Audit also revealed that 27% of young people over the age of 12 have high blood pressure, and a "worryingly high" 21% show signs of developing potentially serious complications.
The report showed that 26,867 children and young people aged from 0-25 years were registered with diabetes in 2013/2014, compared to 25,221 the previous year - that's 1,646 more cases, or a rise of 6%.
It found that children and young people living in the most deprived areas are likely to fare less well in terms of diabetes control compared to those in more affluent places while white ethnic groups achieve better control of their diabetes compared to other ethnicities.
The highest prevalence of diabetes in youngsters was in Wales and the South West while the lowest was in London.
Current standards state that all children and young people with diabetes over 12 years of age should be given seven key checks each year, but the audit found that just 16% were doing so.
However, it found that 18.4% of children and young people had "excellent" diabetes control, as measured by HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin), compared to 15.8% in 2012/13.
Dr Justin Warner, clinical lead for the audit, said: "On the one hand the picture is positive; the quality of care for children and young people with diabetes is improving and we're getting better at ensuring care processes are met.
"Yet the challenge we face is also growing, with more children being diagnosed with diabetes and some displaying early signs of potentially serious long term health problems."
Sarah Johnson, director of policy and communications at Type 1 diabetes charity JDRF, added: "Although we're pleased to see an increase in the number of children achieving in-range blood glucose control, we're alarmed by the numbers showing signs of complications at such a young age.
"Improvements in treatment and early interventions to prevent these complications need to be prioritised urgently by the NHS, and healthcare professionals must be given the help and resource they need to help their young patients manage a serious, life-long condition."