One in three families hit by diabetes

A PERSONAL health crisis has been revealed in Ireland after it emerged that one in three families is affected by diabetes — a condition that can lead to blindness, kidney failure, limb amputation and even death.

Data from the Diabetes Federation of Ireland (DFI) shows that, despite a lack of focus on the serious condition, a significant section of the population is affected.

According to the DFI data, compiled with pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, one in three people in Ireland have a family member who suffers from the condition, which is caused by high blood-sugar levels.

In addition, 20% had a family member with type 2 diabetes, the more serious variant, while 75% knew someone who had diabetes.

However, despite this prevalence, only a small percentage of the population is aware of the damage diabetes can cause.

When asked by the survey team, 46% of people were able to identify diabetes as a potential cause of blindness, but just 16% also knew it could cause kidney problems and 18% that it could lead to limb amputation.

Between 2005 and 2010, half of all limb amputations in Ireland were linked to diabetes.

The study also showed that while people were aware of some of the risk factors of diabetes — such as being overweight (95%) and not getting enough exercise (72%) — just 46% knew that being over the age of 45 was also a key factor.

“We have been saying it for years, but these figures really bring the message home that diabetes is everywhere in Ireland,” said consultant endocrinologist Prof Seamus Sreenan, who is medical director of the DFI.

“This is in urban and rural communities, in rich areas and less well-off areas. We’re facing a national crisis.”

The data was released to coincide with a Know Your Numbers campaign by the DFI, which aims to promote awareness of an important change to how hbA1c (the chemical reaction that causes glucose to stick to red blood cells, a sign of diabetes) is measured.

The change will come into effect on January 1.

The awareness campaign is a joint venture by the DFI, the HSE, Sanofi and the Irish Pharmacy Union.

The figures emerged as Denmark became the first country in the world to impose a “fat tax” on unhealthy foods.

The move, similar to Health Minister James Reilly’s plan to tax sugary foods, will place a surcharge on foods high in saturated fat.

* Further information at www.diabetes.ie or the DFI helpline, 1850 909 909.