Dramatic hike in diabetes statistics

The latest statistics released by Diabetes UK Northern Ireland show that since 2006 there has been a dramatic jump of 32 per cent in the numbers now living with the condition. The figures were collected from GPs in the city and show in the last year 209 adults were diagnosed with diabetes, a condition which can lead to serious complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, amputation, stroke and blindness.

Across Northern Ireland there was an increase of over five per cent on last year’s figures, with 72,693 adults now diagnosed.

Iain Foster, Director of Diabetes UK Northern Ireland, said: “We are in the middle of a diabetes epidemic. An extra 21,000 people in Northern Ireland are now living with diabetes since figures began to be collected, less than a decade ago.”

“If we are going to seriously address this epidemic we will need a regional approach which makes the most of resources already being spent and ensures a reduction in diabetes and its serious complications.”

“Treating diabetes and its complications already cost the NHS in Northern Ireland around £400m a year, 10 per cent of its annual budget. With the numbers rapidly increasing it is now more important than ever that everything is done to prevent serious complications which cost the NHS millions and are absolutely devastating for the individuals and families involved.”

Around 62,000 people (85 per cent) have Type 2 diabetes, often, but not always, linked to lifestyle factors. In many cases the condition can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, taking regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables but low in fat, sugar and salt.

According to the Northern Ireland Childhood Diabetes Register there are also 1,000 children and young people under the age of 17 diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is still unknown but it is not linked to lifestyle issues.

It is estimated that up to 10,000 people also have diabetes but have not yet been diagnosed. The symptoms include urinating frequently especially at night, increased thirst, extreme tiredness, unexplained weight loss, genital itching or regular episodes of thrush, slow healing of cuts and wounds, and blurred vision.

Anyone who has been diagnosed in the last year and would like support is encouraged to visit the Diabetes UK website by clicking here or the Diabetes UK Northern Ireland Facebook Group to make contact and find out what support is available.