Diabetes is “decimating” men with one in ten now developing the condition, a new report warns.

Health experts said men are now 26 per cent more likely than women to become diabetic, and to suffer far worse consequences after failing to improve their diet, or undergo regular checks.

The report by the Men’s Health Forum says Britain is facing a “national health emergency” as a result of its obesity levels, which are now the worst in Western Europe.

The study shows men are 26 per cent more likely than women to develop diabetes, with 9.6 per cent of men suffering the condition, compared with 7.6 per cent among women.

Men were far more likely to end up suffering complications, with death rates far higher than among women with the condition, the study shows.

Men are more likely to be overweight than women - with 65 per cent overweight in England, compared with 58 per cent of women, and become at risk of diabetes at a lower Body Mass Index than women.

But they are less likely to be aware of weight problems, or to diet, the report found.

Once diagnosed, men were less likely to take care of themselves, the study suggests, with far higher rates of complications.