Nearly one person in every 20 has type two diabetes and the numbers of people developing the disease is growing, according to the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Minister for Health Mary Harney launched a new guide for GPs and hospitals on identifying type two diabetes today.
The guide is a the result of a new collaboration between the HSE, the Department of Health and Children, the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) and the Irish Endocrine Society.
Written by Dr Velma Harkins from the IGCP, with support from Dr Richard Firth of the Irish Endocrine Society and Dr John Devlin of the Department of Health and Children, the guide outlines the fundamentals for diagnosis of type two diabetes, the targets for clinical care and the interventions that are appropriate at each stage of the disease.
Type two diabetes accounts for between 85 to 90 per cent of all cases of diabetes in European countries, and due to our ageing population and a rise in levels of obesity there has been dramatic annual increases in the numbers of people developing the disease in Ireland.
Type one diabetes, which usually occurs in childhood, is otherwise known as insulin-dependent diabetes. It is not preventable and easily treatable with insulin injections. However,substantial evidence suggests that type two diabetes can be prevented or delayed and people at high risk of developing diabetes can be identified easily.
For those that are diagnosed with type two diabetes their condition is life-long. Healthy eating, physical activity, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and medication are all considered to be means by which the disease can be better managed.
The prevalence of type two diabetes has been identified by the Institute of Public Health as one of the most serious health issues facing this country. It estimates that the number of people with the disease will reach almost 200,000 by 2015, an increase of 37 per cent from the present level.
The onset of type two diabetes is often subtle and cases can go undiagnosed because blood sugar rising above normal levels develops gradually and usually aren't severe enough for the patient to notice any of the classic symptoms of diabetes such as fatigue, excessive thirst or increased appetite.
The cost to the health service is expected to increase from €580 million to €770 million in the same time frame. A recent study found that diabetes costs €2,468 for every patient in Ireland every year.
Speaking at the launch of the guide today, Dr Harkins said: "These guidelines are unique, in that they outline a model of care which can be adapted to the Irish system and also recognise the changing dynamic in Irish healthcare.
They are the first guidelines for chronic disease management which have been agreed across primary, secondary and tertiary care. They emphasise that patients with type two diabetes often have complex needs and need careful management and structured care to improve their quality of life and outcomes.'
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