Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes

Here are the stats

24,000 likely to have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes in Ireland.

Type 2 diabetes symptoms often develop slowly. ... Look for:
Increased thirst and frequent urination. Excess sugar building up in your bloodstream causes fluid to be pulled from the tissues.
Increased hunger. 
Weight loss.
Fatigue.
Blurred vision.
Slow-healing sores or frequent infections.
Areas of darkened skin.

Recent RTE News Article

The largest ever study into diabetes and cardiovascular risk in Ireland has found as many as 24,000 people could have undiagnosed diabetes.

The survey by Vhi Healthcare examined 30,000 people between 2009 and 2013.

It found that 17% of people were found to have abnormal initial fasting blood sugar levels.

Men were found to be two to three times more likely than women to have abnormal blood sugar levels and undiagnosed diabetes.

Report author and Vhi Healthcare Medical Director Dr Bernadette Carr said: "The results of our research suggest that the rate of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes is higher in Ireland than in similar European countries such as Britain and Holland.

"They also demonstrate how important it is for individuals to understand and manage their own health risks.  

"By making some very simple lifestyle changes, people can improve their outcomes, and in the case of pre-diabetes can even delay or prevent progression to diabetes."

The research found that people with abnormal blood sugar levels were significantly more likely to be older, male, smokers and have higher blood pressure.

It said they were also less likely to exercise five days a week or eat fruit or vegetables each day.

Statistics on Strokes in Ireland

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel, which is carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain, bursts or is blocked by a clot. This causes an interruption of the blood supply to part of the brain. This can damage or destroy brain cells which will affect body functions.

For example, if a stroke damages the part of the brain that controls limb movement, a person’s ability to move an arm or leg may be affected. A stroke can also affect mental processes such as how people feel, think, communicate, or learn.

The term ‘stroke’ comes from the fact that it usually happens without warning, ‘striking’ the person from out of the blue. The effects of a stroke on the body are immediate.

Did you know......
• 10,000 people in Ireland are admitted to hospital with stroke each year.
• 1,200 people in the West of Ireland are diagnosed with stroke each year.
• Stroke is the third most common cause of death and the most common cause of acquired physical disability in Ireland. 
• There are 30,000 survivors of stroke in Ireland, many of whom have significant disabilities.
• Approximately 80 per cent of strokes are caused by a blockage of an artery supplying blood to the brain. 20 per cent of strokes are caused by a bleed into the brain from a burst blood vessel in the brain.
• Under-65s account for about one third of strokes.

What can I do to prevent a stroke?

The best treatment for stroke is prevention. There are several risk factors that increase your chances of having a stroke:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Smoking
Diabetes
High cholesterol
If you smoke – quit. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol, getting them under control – and keeping them under control – will greatly reduce your chances of having a stroke.

When stroke strikes, act F.A.S.T.

The F.A.S.T. acronym was created as a helper for people to remember the main warning signs of stroke so that they ca

n act immediately in the case of a stroke by dialling 999.

F.A.S.T. stands for:

F – Face – has their face fallen on one side?  Can they smile?

A – Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?

S – Speech – is their speech slurred?

T –Time to call 999 if you spot any single one of these signs.

F.A.S.T.  can help you to rapidly recognise when a stroke is taking place and then act quickly to get medical treatment and prevent serious damage.

The Fight against Smoking in Ireland

The Irish government keep up the pressure to make us a healthier nation.
2003 - 28.28% of the population smoked 1 cigarette or more a day in Ireland.
2014 - Male and female smoking has declined to 21.55% and 17.59% respectively. (Statistics from HSE National Tobacco Control Office Health and Wellbeing Division)

Here's why....
2004 - Ireland was the first country in the world to introduce the workplace smoking ban on 29 March.
2009 - First country in the EU to implement a point of sale display ban on tobacco. They also change the law on tobacco vending machines introducing token only sales. The 10 pack of cigarettes was also banned at this time.
2013 - Any tobacco product placed on the market must have graphic warnings
2014 - Ireland passed a bill banning smoking in cars with children.
2017 – Ireland hope to introduce plain tobacco packaging.

Cancer prevention (www.cancer.ie)
Up to 50% of all cancers are preventable, 30% are preventable through lifestyle changes alone.
Smoking is the single biggest cause of cancer, causing 30% of all cancers.
95% of lung cancers are caused by smoking.
Cigarettes contain over 4000 chemicals, 60 of which are known to cause cancer.
Half of all smokers will die from a tobacco related disease.
Research shows that 70% of smokers want to quit.
There are over one million smokers in Ireland.