Diabetes Are you at risk?

Type 2 Diabetes RISK TEST – Click Here

The number of people with diabetes in Ireland is growing rapidly. At present there are an estimated 225,840 people with the condition with approximately 30,000 of these undiagnosed. More Information

Knowing the symptoms and risk factors for diabetes is important as non-diagnosis can seriously affect your quality of life. Undiagnosed or poor controlled diabetes can damage your heart, arteries, eyes, nerves and kidneys leading to serious health problems for you and your family to cope with.

You are more at risk of getting Type 2 diabetes if you are:

• Over 40 years of age
• Have a parent or brother/sister with diabetes
• Had diabetes during a pregnancy
• Are overweight for your height
• Do not take 30 minutes of physical activity daily
• Have high blood pressure
• Have high cholesterol

And/or you encounter some of these symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Fatigue, lack of energy
• Extreme thirst
• Frequent trips to the bathroom (urination) especially at night
• Rapid and unexplained weight gain or loss
• Frequent infections
• Numbness, pain or tingling in your hands or feet

The more risk factors or symptoms that you have the more likely you are to have diabetes or pre-diabetes.

If you are worried?

Speak to your GP and tell him/her why you think you may have diabetes. A simple diabetes test will ease any worries you may have.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, don’t worry. Your doctor will take steps to treat and control your condition. Early detection, effective treatment and good control will help you avoid the more serious health related problems of diabetes and allow you to maintain your quality of life.