Strangford MLA Harry Harvey supports Diabetes UK call for greater awareness of diabetes
Strangford DUP MLA Harry Harvey supports leading diabetes charity, Diabetes UK, in its call for greater awareness of diabetes.
Diabetes is the third most prevalent health condition in Northern Ireland, with just under 112,000 cases registered across the five healthcare Trusts.
Taking into account patients aged 17 and above, the data reinforces fears of a rapidly escalating diabetes crisis – especially locally in the South Eastern Trust, there are 18,861 cases.
Prevalence reporting has been in place for almost 20 years, with the 2022/2023 figures highlighting that diabetes diagnoses have more than doubled since then.
Diabetes UK Northern Ireland National Director, Tina McCrossan, said: “Diabetes is an incredibly tough and relentless condition which has a huge impact on people’s lives, regardless of what type it may be.
“Year on year, the number of cases of all types of diabetes is growing at an alarming rate, yet many people believe this condition and its impact continue to be massively under-estimated.
“As we know, diabetes is the third most prevalent condition, however, for the first time, these figures have also shone a light on patients registered with pre-diabetes, which sits at 66,009.
“Regrettably, when these two figures are combined, they push cases of diabetes and pre-diabetes up to nearly 180,000 and therefore, the second most prevalent condition seen in patients locally.
To put that into perspective, this combined figure is the equivalent to 12 times the full capacity crowds that will be seen at Belsonic in the coming weeks.”
Harry Harvey MLA who backs the awareness campaign said: “I commend the excellent work of Diabetes UK in supporting those living with this chronic illness.
“I have several members within my own family who have diabetes and I am very aware of the complications that can come with this condition. It is vital we raise greater awareness and understanding.”
Whilst treatment costs for diabetes can be difficult to quantify, it is estimated to be approximately £1million per day – accounting for 10% of the local health and social care budget.
Tina McCrossan added: “Whilst we recognise we can’t do anything at this time to prevent Type 1 diabetes, we know that there are measurable steps that can be taken to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
“We hear political parties call for a financial package in the context of a very difficult budgetary situation and ahead of the potential return of the Executive this autumn.
“We need to see a push for increased investment towards diabetes care and prevention, in a bid to help tackle this growing crisis.
“It is our view, that with appropriate investment, we could not only see real change in outcomes for people living with and at risk of type 2 diabetes, but also provide significant savings for the health service which is under increasing pressure.
“In turn, such savings could be reinvested to ensure that all people living with diabetes have access to the care and support they need, when they need it.”
To learn more about Diabetes UK Northern Ireland’s calls for the prioritisation of diabetes care and prevention in transforming our health service, visit:
www.diabetes.org.uk/in_your_area/n_ireland.
Here you will also find further support and guidance offered by Diabetes UK in Northern Ireland. If you have a question about diabetes, contact our helpline on 0345 123 2399
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Prevalence Data
The Northern Ireland Raw Disease Prevalence Data for Northern Ireland is released annually and takes into account patients aged 17+ currently on the registers across the five healthcare Trusts.
This year is the first that non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (prediabetes) has been captured.
The 22/23 report can be accessed here:
2022/23 Raw Disease Prevalence Data for Northern Ireland (health-ni.gov.uk)
The QOF Prevalence data can be accessed here:
QOF – Prevalence: Dashboard (nisra.gov.uk)
About Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK’s aim is creating a world where diabetes can do no harm. Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time, affecting more people than any other serious health condition in the UK – more than dementia and cancer combined.
There is currently no known cure for any type of diabetes. With the right treatment, knowledge and support people living with diabetes can lead a long, full, and healthy life. For more information about diabetes and the charity’s work, visit:
Diabetes is Serious Report
The Diabetes is Serious report, launched at Stormont in 2021, highlighted the importance of diabetes care and prevention in transforming our health service. Read more here.
About diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly.
If not managed well, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable sight loss in people of working age in the UK and is a major cause of lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke.
People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin. About 8% of people with diabetes have type 1. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable. It’s the most common type of diabetes in children and young adults, starting suddenly and getting worse quickly.
Type 1 diabetes is treated by daily insulin doses – taken either by injections or via an insulin pump. It is also recommended to follow a healthy diet and take regular physical activity.
People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly (known as insulin resistance).
Around 90 per cent of people with diabetes have type 2. They might get type 2 diabetes because of their family history, age and ethnic background puts them at increased risk. They are also more likely to get type 2 diabetes if they are overweight.
It starts gradually, usually later in life, and it can be years before they realise they have it. Type 2 diabetes is treated with a healthy diet and increased physical activity. In addition, tablets and/or insulin can be required.
About 2 per cent of people have other types of diabetes. Other types include 11 different forms of monogenic diabetes, cystic fibrosis related diabetes and diabetes caused by rare syndromes.
Certain medication such as steroids and antipsychotics, surgery or hormonal imbalances could also lead to other types of diabetes.
