Lazy lifestyle leading to rise in numbers with diabetes

A lazy lifestyle is leading to a spiral in people becoming blind as a result of diabetes, a leading scientist is warning.

Irish teenagers and those in their early 20s who are “couch potatoes and have diets rich in sugars, fats and alcohol” are being reported by Irish optometrists to have the sight of those aged in their 60s. Up to 90% of diabetes cases are caused by diet and reduced physical activity according to Dr Philip Cummins of Dublin City University, which is causing more of us to develop poor eyesight or even blindness at a younger age.

Figures from Diabetes Ireland, show that the total number of people living with diabetes in Ireland is estimated to be 225,840. According to a Healthy Ireland survey, 854,165 adults over 40 are at increased risk of developing or have Type Two diabetes.