''Alarming'' figures from the Ministry of Health show the number of people who developed diabetes grew by nearly 10 per cent last year - with over 17,000 people with the disease in the Waikato alone.

The recenlty released figures show over 208,000 people in New Zealand had diabetes last year - a growth of 9.7 per cent on 2010.

The hike was fuelled mainly by an increase in type 2 diabetes, which Diabetes New Zealand says is ''undeniably linked'' to the significant growth of obesity.

''This rate of increase in diabetes prevalence means that on average, a staggering 50 more people were diagnosed with the condition every day of the past year,''

Chris Baty, Diabetes New Zealand National President, said. ''If we do nothing to stop the growth in obesity, the cost to our country will be crippling, and not just to our health system.''

If New Zealand continued at this rate, in less than a decade nearly 400,000 Kiwis would be diabetic, costing the country over $1 billion each year in health costs alone, Ms Baty said.

In 2011 17, 620 Waikato people had diabetes - up 8.9 per cent on 2010.

But it was Waitemata DHB that saw the largest increase - 15.8 per cent - with 23,998 people being diabetic.

Counties Manukau has the highest number of those with diabetes, with 31, 023 diabetics.

Mr Baty urged people to get serious about reducing the country's obesity rate.

''The reality is there is no quick fix. This is a multi-faceted problem. While there's no silver bullet, we do know we can prevent obesity through lifestyle interventions that focus on diet and exercise.''

While it was up to an individual to look after their own health, the community, government, members of the food industry and health professionals could all play a part, he said.

''Financially New Zealand may be in a straitjacket, but if we don't invest in prevention now, we face a major catastrophe within a decade. It's time to pull our heads out of the sand and take action.''