The Louth County Hospital in Dundalk
To mark World Diabetes Day, staff from the diabetes department in the Louth/Meath Hospital Group will be hosting a Diabetes Information Evening on Wednesday November 12th at 7pm in the Louth County Hospital, Dundalk.
Anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes or people at risk of developing diabetes are invited to come along to this free event. Members of the Diabetes Education Team will be available to give advice and information on managing diabetes, in relation to healthy eating, physical activity, foot-care, and pre-pregnancy planning for women with diabetes.
Speaking in advance of the event, Pauline O’Hanlon, Diabetes Nurse Specialist said: “Diabetes is a significant health problem in Ireland. Based on the latest census information, Diabetes Ireland estimate that during 2011 the total number of people in Ireland in all age groups with type 1 and type 2 diabetes reached 190,000.
“Many people may have type 2 diabetes for over seven years without realising it. It’s very important to be aware of the risk factors, which include being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, and in relation to women, having a history of gestational diabetes. However, both type 2 and type 1 diabetes can be managed effectively by incorporating a healthy diet and physical activity, monitoring blood glucose, medication and attending for regular follow up with their GP or hospital diabetes clinic.”
Due to the rise in obesity, type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in children and young adults, including women of child-bearing age. For women with diabetes, pregnancy carries certain risks for mother and baby. Due to the increased demand, a Pre-Pregnancy Care Clinic has been established in the Louth/Meath Hospital group.
Linda Matthews, Diabetes Nurse Specialist, Pre-Pregnancy Care said: “Risks can be reduced with proper healthcare before, during and after pregnancy and the majority of women with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. The Pre-Pregnancy Care Clinic offers women with diabetes specialist advice and support to plan a pregnancy in order to achieve the best possible outcome for mother and baby.”
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic, potentially debilitating and often fatal disease. The disease occurs as a result of problems with the production and supply of insulin in the body. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps ‘sugar’ (glucose) to leave the blood and enter the cells of the body to be converted into energy
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin. It can affect people of any age, but usually occurs in children or young adults. People with this form of diabetes need injections of insulin every day in order to control the levels of glucose in their blood.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, and occurs because the body cannot use the insulin it produces effectively. The onset of type 2 diabetes is linked to genetic factors but obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet increase the risks of it occurring. People with type 2 diabetes can usually control the level of glucose in their blood by following a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, and oral medication (tablets)
Gestational Diabetes Some women develop a third, usually temporary, type of diabetes called ‘gestational diabetes’ during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes develops in 2-5% of all pregnancies, but usually disappears when the pregnancy is over. Risk factors for GDM include: overweight/obesity, increased age, family history of diabetes and ethnicity. Women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on.
Recognising diabetes
The onset of type 1 diabetes is often sudden and dramatic and can include symptoms such as:
- Abnormal thirst and a dry mouth
- Frequent urination
- Extreme tiredness/lack of energy
- Constant hunger
- Sudden weight loss
- Slow-healing wounds
- Recurrent infections
- Blurred vision
The same symptoms that are listed above can also affect people with type 2 diabetes, but usually the symptoms are less obvious. The onset of type 2 diabetes is gradual and therefore hard to detect. Indeed, some people with type 2 diabetes show no obvious symptoms early on. These people are often diagnosed several years later, when various complications are already present.
Risk Factors for developing Type 2 Diabetes
You are more at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if you –
- Are over 40 years of age
- Have a family history of Type 2 Diabetes
- Are overweight for your height
- Do not take 30 minutes of physical activity daily
- Have a history of Gestational Diabetes (Women)
- Type 2 diabetes can be prevented
Diabetes is among the top 10 causes of disability, resulting in life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, lower limb amputations, kidney failure and blindness. All have the potential to reduce the quality of life of people with diabetes and their families. However, many of theses complications can be prevented by early detection of diabetes, healthy eating, frequent physical activity, medication and regular follow-up with the GP or diabetes clinic.
For people with type 1 diabetes, it is not yet possible to prevent the condition, but much can be done to prevent or delay diabetes complications. Early detection and a healthy diet, with regular physical activity can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, or delay its onset.
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