Health Minister is urging people to learn the
risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, this Diabetes Awareness Week.
The number of people living with diabetes in Northern Ireland has
grown by almost 30% in the past eight years. Diabetes is a
lifelong condition and, unlike Type 1, Type 2 diabetes is largely
preventable.
The risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are multiple and complex,
and include age, family history, ethnicity, being overweight or
obese and social deprivation.
Health Minister said: “I recognise
that diabetes is one of the most challenging chronic conditions
affecting people, and it impacts many aspects of every day
life.
“With Type 2 diabetes being largely preventable, this
Diabetes Awareness Week, I am encouraging the public to learn the
risk factors, and take some steps to help look after their own
health. Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to lifestyle factors
such as poor diet, lack of physical activity and being
overweight. Evidence shows that with the right support, many
cases can be delayed, prevented altogether, or placed in
remission.”
The number of people living with diabetes in Northern Ireland is
continuing to grow year on year, from 88,305 adults in 2016 to
114,673 adults in 2024 – a 30% increase. Approximately 90% of
those are living with Type 2 diabetes, 8% with Type 1 diabetes,
and 2% with other forms of diabetes.
Dr Elaine King, Clinical Lead, NI Diabetes Network said:
“Prevention starts with awareness. Many people don't realise they
are at risk until it's too late. Even with a diagnosis of Type 2
diabetes, there are still lifestyle changes that can be taken to
lead to Type 2 remission and reduce the risk of diabetes causing
damage to you. This week, we are encouraging everyone to check
their risk, make healthier choices, and speak to their GP or
health professional if they have concerns.”
Last year, the Department of Health announced a Regional Young Adults
Progression Pathway, which provided help and support to young
people living with Type 1 diabetes. The pathway enables them to
move more easily and smoothly into adult services, equipping them
with the knowledge and tools they need to self-manage their
condition through a time when they are already experiencing many
changes in their life.
Obesity is one of the risk factors identified with Type 2
diabetes, and last month, the Minister announced a new Regional Obesity Management
Service. The service is the first of its kind in Northern
Ireland, and will help to reduce health conditions, such as Type
2 diabetes.
The three main ways to prevent type 2 diabetes are:
- Eat more healthily
- Being more active
- Losing weight if you are living with obesity or overweight or
have an unhealthy waist size
Notes to editors:
1. A healthy waist size depends on your gender. A healthy waist
size in women is less than 80 cm (31.5 inches). A healthy waist
size in men is 94 cm (37 inches) or for South Asian men, it's
less than 90 cm (35 inches).
2. The Northern Ireland Diabetes Network brings together people
living with diabetes(external link opens in
a new window / tab), carers, and health and social care
professionals to work in partnership with Diabetes UK(external link
opens in a new window / tab) on the design and delivery
of better diabetes services. Further information available
at https://online.hscni.net/partnerships/diabetes-network/(external
link opens in a new window / tab).
3. The Diabetes Strategic Framework for Northern Ireland is
available on the DoH website here.
4. To see if you are a healthy weight, overweight, obese or
underweight, use the BMI calculator on the
patient.info website.
