Identifying sufferers - Alarm bells over threat of diabetes

THE prediction by medical experts of a possible explosion of diabetes among Irish people in the coming years has frightening implications.

Comparing diabetes with Aids may sound alarmist, but it is potentially more devastating. About 200,000 people have been diagnosed with diabetes in this country, and there are estimations that as many as 100,000 people may have the disease but are unaware of it.

Diabetes can be controlled by a combination of diet, medication and exercise. Those who are unaware that they are suffering from the disease are not taking the necessary steps to control it. They are therefore exposing themselves to the horrific complications.