The centre's researchers have found one in seven residents of the west have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, compared to the state average of one in 30.

In Hobsons Bay, 13.8per cent of residents aged over 55 have type2 diabetes. In neighbouring Brimbank, two new cases are diagnosed every day.

In the suburb of Ardeer, one in every three residents aged over 55 has diabetes.

Diabetes Australia (Victoria) chief executive Greg Johnson said the State Government had launched a number of diabetes prevention campaigns since 2006, but the alarming data showed much more needed to be done.

"According to Ausdiab, for every person diagnosed there may be another person who has type 2 diabetes and is not diagnosed," Professor Johnson said.

"The number of people in western Melbourne [with diabetes] is likely to be over 48,000.

"One of the largest growth areas of type 2 diabetes is in the 16-39-year age group, which potentially has a major impact on young families and in the workplace."

Victoria University set up the StAlbans-based centre to reduce the rates and impact of diabetes in the west.

ACCD chairman Peter Gordon said this would be achieved only by driving policy and changes in the promotion of health and wellbeing.

"Serious and substantial change is required over the next 10 years to combat the epidemic of type 2 diabetes and to address the unique challenges presented in western Melbourne, including cultural diversity, lower socio-economic status, poor health literacy and insufficient infrastructure."

Western Health diabetes unit director, Associate Professor Shane Hamblin, conservatively estimated the hospital system needed two to three times the funding to deal with the epidemic.

"The approach needs to be broad and right across the spectrum because we're at the bottom of the cliff trying to catch people and we need someone to put a fence up at the top to stop people from falling."

■Visit Diabetes Roadshow events at Footscray library on February 24, from 10am, or Sunshine shopping centre on February 27 from 11am-2pm.