Diabetes In ROI Expected To Rise

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) has today published new research which suggests that by 2020 the number of adults aged 45+ years in the Republic of Ireland with diabetes (diagnosed and undiagnosed) is expected to rise to more than 175,000 people (9.1% of the population aged 45+ years).

The research was conducted by IPH in collaboration with the HRB Centre for Diet and Health Research at University College Cork and the Centre of Excellence for Public Health Northern Ireland at Queen’s University Belfast. It is based on an analysis of the latest national health survey, SLÁN 2007.

Commenting on the findings, Ms Fahy said that the fact that large numbers of adults are living with diabetes and that this number is expected to increase has significant implications for the individuals concerned, their families, as well as the health and social care system and Ireland's economy.

Professor Ivan Perry from the HRB Centre for Health and Diet Research, UCC said: "We are currently in the grip of a global epidemic of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Ireland is clearly not immune from this phenomenon which has the potential to overwhelm health services over the next decade. Most people now understand the causes of obesity and diabetes. Unfortunately knowledge alone does not change behaviour. In the past we have over–emphasised the issue of personal choice and responsibility in the area of diet, physical activity and health and largely ignored the need to change both our food environment and physical environment in ways that will support healthy choices through public policy. In this context the current government proposals for increased taxation on sugar sweetened soft drinks is critical."

(CD/GK)