“Obesity is usually linked with major health conditions later on in life, but already we are seeing the devastating consequences at an early age.

“It is vital that the measures in the childhood obesity plan improve the health of young people, and can help parents make more informed choices about the eating habits and lifestyles of their children.”

Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 is largely preventable and is closely linked to lifestyle, such as unhealthy eating or lack of exercise.

The first cases of Type 2 diabetes in children were diagnosed in overweight girls of Asian ethnic origin in 2000 and first reported in white adolescents in 2002.

Data from the National Child Measurement Programme, carried out in schools and funded by councils, shows 9.3 per cent of reception children and 19.8 per cent of those in year 6 were obese in 2015/16.

Dr Justin Warner, from the RCPCH, said: “Obesity is major public health threat and there needs to be action at all levels to reverse the trend.

“The Soft Drinks Industry Levy – or sugar tax – is a positive step towards reducing the amount of sugar in the nation’s diet .”

Libby Dowling, Senior Clinical Advisor for Diabetes UK, said: “It is extremely worrying that more young people are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, especially as we know that for nearly 80 per cent obesity is the likely cause for developing the condition.