Dundee-based MSP Marlyn Glen said the statistics clearly demonstrated that the rise of diabetes was one of today’s major public health problems.

“The latest Scottish Diabetes Survey now puts the numbers with the condition in NHS Tayside in January 2010 at 18,157,” she said.

“That is already well over 2000 greater than the forecast figure for 2018.

“These figures reveal the considerable effect that diet, activity and lifestyle factors have contributed towards the sharp rise.

“Its prevention remains a health priority, particularly when the prevalence of diabetes is linked with another major public health concern, obesity.”

Ms Glen added, “The prodigious costs to the individual, society in general and the health service make uncontrolled diabetes one of today’s major public health problems.”

Campaigners have warned that the Tayside figure, contained in the 2009 Scottish Diabetes Survey, could be just the “tip of the iceberg”.

The figure contrasts with a report from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry in Scotland (ABPI), which estimated that diabetes cases in NHS Tayside would rise to 15,267 by 2018.

However, that 2005 report did state that the predictions were based solely on population-based changes and indicated that lifestyle trends and improved treatment could also directly influence the future rise of the condition.

Alison McIntosh, secretary of the Dundee branch of Diabetes UK, said “People do need to be more aware of the condition and at Diabetes UK we try to do that.

“Diabetes UK has always thought the number of people diagnosed with diabetes was just the tip of the iceberg, as many people remain undiagnosed.

“I know that when we held the Diabetes UK Roadshow in Dundee, the number of people who were diagnosed or were referred to their GP for a check-up was phenomenal.”

Alison, who has Type 1 diabetes, said lifestyle choices, increased awareness of diabetes and improved medical testing for the condition might have contributed to the rise in cases.

“When I was diagnosed around 27 years ago I didn’t know anyone else who had diabetes, but you can’t say that now,” she said. “Most people know someone who is affected by diabetes.”