Insulin use has trebled over the past 20 years in the UK, driven by high rates of obesity-linked type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.

Experts analysed data from patient prescriptions to find a huge rise between 1991 and 2010 in the use of insulin, particularly by people with type 2, which is linked to unhealthy lifestyles.

The number of people using insulin overall trebled from 136,800 in 1991 to 421,300 in 2010. For those with type 2, the number using insulin rocketed almost eight-fold from 37,000 in 1991 to 277,400 in 2010.

The study was led by a team of academics from Cardiff University and the University of Bristol.