Learn the diabetes risk factors, urges Health Minister
Date published:
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is urging people to learn the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, this Diabetes Awareness Week.
The number of people living with diabetes in Northern Ireland has grown by almost 30% in the past eight years. Diabetes is a lifelong condition and, unlike Type 1, Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable.
The risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are multiple and complex, and include age, family history, ethnicity, being overweight or obese and social deprivation.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “I recognise that diabetes is one of the most challenging chronic conditions affecting people, and it impacts many aspects of every day life.
“With Type 2 diabetes being largely preventable, this Diabetes Awareness Week, I am encouraging the public to learn the risk factors, and take some steps to help look after their own health. Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity and being overweight. Evidence shows that with the right support, many cases can be delayed, prevented altogether, or placed in remission.”
The number of people living with diabetes in Northern Ireland is continuing to grow year on year, from 88,305 adults in 2016 to 114,673 adults in 2024 – a 30% increase. Approximately 90% of those are living with Type 2 diabetes, 8% with Type 1 diabetes, and 2% with other forms of diabetes.
Dr Elaine King, Clinical Lead, NI Diabetes Network said: “Prevention starts with awareness. Many people don’t realise they are at risk until it’s too late. Even with a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, there are still lifestyle changes that can be taken to lead to Type 2 remission and reduce the risk of diabetes causing damage to you. This week, we are encouraging everyone to check their risk, make healthier choices, and speak to their GP or health professional if they have concerns.”
Last year, the Department of Health announced a Regional Young Adults Progression Pathway, which providedhelp and support to young people living with Type 1 diabetes. The pathway enables them to move more easily and smoothly into adult services, equipping them with the knowledge and tools they need to self-manage their condition through a time when they are already experiencing many changes in their life.
Obesity is one of the risk factors identified with Type 2 diabetes, and last month, the Minister announced a new Regional Obesity Management Service. The service is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, and will help to reduce health conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes.
The three main ways to prevent type 2 diabetes are:
- Eat more healthily
- Being more active
- Losing weight if you are living with obesity or overweight or have an unhealthy waist size
Notes to editors:
1. A healthy waist size depends on your gender. A healthy waist size in women is less than 80 cm (31.5 inches). A healthy waist size in men is 94 cm (37 inches) or for South Asian men, it’s less than 90 cm (35 inches).
2. The Northern Ireland Diabetes Network brings together people living with diabetes(external link opens in a new window / tab), carers, and health and social care professionals to work in partnership with Diabetes UK(external link opens in a new window / tab) on the design and delivery of better diabetes services. Further information available at https://online.hscni.net/partnerships/diabetes-network/(external link opens in a new window / tab).
3. The Diabetes Strategic Framework for Northern Ireland is available on the DoH website here.
4. To see if you are a healthy weight, overweight, obese or underweight, use the BMI calculator on the patient.info website.
5. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
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7. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.