Research from the Australian Diabetes Council mapped areas of increase and concern throughout the state.

It took the number of people in NSW registered on the National Diabetes Services Scheme in 2005, compared with the number registered in 2010, and grouped them by state electorate.

All Hunter electorates indicated an increase in type two diabetes, ranging from a 19 per cent rise in Newcastle to a 35 per cent inflation in Swansea.

Swansea Medical Centre nurse manager Sharon Kirkham said the data reflected growing awareness.

"There's a real focus on diabetes and other chronic diseases in general practice," Ms Kirkham said.

Clinicians were working to better identify at-risk patients and offer support and education about managing and modifying lifestyles.

Swansea Medical Centre used waiting room questionnaires as part of its risk assessments program and runs weekly or fortnightly nurse clinics with half an hour of one-on-one time for patients.

"There's a real focus on preventive health now," Mrs Kirkham said.

"I think the key to it is early intervention."

Australian Diabetes Council chief executive officer Nicola Stokes said prevention was important.

Estimates were that type two diabetes cost Australia $3 billion a year, she said.

Ms Stokes said type two diabetes, which represented 85 per cent to 90 per cent of people with diabetes, could be avoided in almost 60 per cent of cases.

Many serious complications, including heart disease and blindness, might be avoided through healthy lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, she said.

The council advised reducing weight and fat intake, increasing physical activity and dietary fibre intake, and not smoking. Regular eye checks could help avoid vision loss associated with diabetes.