The disease affecting 9,300 in Fermanagh

Rodney Edwards • Published 29 Oct 2009 09:00 0 Comments

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Diabetes on the increase in the west

"A lot of people in Fermanagh have diabetes and don't even know it. And it's vital that they deal with it urgently."

That's the shocking message by local GP, Dr. Cyril Graham after it emerged the number of people being diagnosed with diabetes in the county has soared recently.

"The numbers that we are diagnosing in the practice, I have found, have increased significantly." he said.

"And it's mostly Type 2 diabetes which affects older people and primarily, people who are overweight. There's a combination of conditions that are related to it. If you have high blood pressure or you've had a heart attack or a stroke, there is a risk factor of developing Type 2 diabetes." he said.

Furthermore, an alarming report by Diabetes UK into the disease has also found that 'prediabetes' affects approximately 9,300 people in Fermanagh.

Prediabetes is an under-diagnosed condition that immediately puts people up to 15 times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.

People suffering with prediabetes, also known as 'Impaired Glucose Regulation' (IGR) have blood glucose (sugar) levels higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes.

According to research, those with prediabetes are usually overweight or obese at diagnosis and 90 per cent will either have a family history of prediabetes or have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Research has also shown however, that prediabetes may already be causing long-term damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory systems.

Doctor Graham advised that prediabetes can often be reversed and the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes reduced by 60 per cent simply through losing even just a moderate amount of weight, adopting a healthy, balanced diet and increasing physical activity.

65-year-old Norman Allen was first diagnosed with diabetes over three years ago and says he has had to drastically change his lifestyle.

"I've had to cut down on the fatty foods and take more exercise, but it's for the best," said Norman, who retired earlier this year.

"I didn't know I had diabetes but I knew something wasn't right. I first started to feel really exhausted and drained out; I could sleep around the clock. I'd sweat a lot at night too, there could be nights there when I would have had to put a towel under me in the bed because I was sweating that much. And now I would take a numbness in my feet, as if they were asleep. Cuts would take long to heal up too," explained Norman.

"The worst thing for me now is that I am always, always tired, I just can't sleep right at all; I can't remember the last time I had a good night sleep - it must be two and a half, three years, when I last slept the whole night. Now I go to bed and could wake up in an hour, and be awake for the whole night then. It's not nice at all," he added.

Norman is now on three tablets a day, 21 tablets a week for his diabetes.

"It is worrying and annoying having to take so many, but it's better than keeling over and kicking the bucket. I'm glad my diabetes was found because I don't think people realise how serious it is; I hope they take heed of this and check themselves out. Anyone could have it these days, it's best to know. I wouldn't even wish it on my worst enemy," he said.

Last week, Diabetes UK launched their 'Get Serious' Campaign, aimed at showing how serious diabetes is and to motivate people to take steps to prevent it. And the group believes the seriousness of prediabetes also needs to be highlighted along with its potential risks and how those affected can prevent progression to Type 2 diabetes.

The charity are now asking people to sign up to the campaign and show their support.

This could be by pledging to make healthy lifestyle changes, fund-raising, taking part in a campaign for improved care or volunteering. For more information, visit: www.everyclick.com/diabetesuk

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 29 Oct 09

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