Treatment of type 2 diabetes costs 461.8 million a year - 6 per cent of total healthcare expenditure - according to the first Irish study to measure the economic impact of this common type of the condition.
Hospitalisation accounts for nearly half of this spending. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of type 2 diabetes will prevent or delay the onset of serious complications such as heart attack, stroke and eye and kidney disease, according to Prof John Nolan, consultant endocrinologist at St James's Hospital in Dublin.
Filling the kitty
As part of its fund-raising efforts, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Dublin has established the Kitty for Crumlin appeal. Money raised will help buy scanners, incubators and other crucial equipment. It will also be used to support the Children's Research Centre, which studies a variety of childhood conditions, including cancers, congenital malformations, genetic conditions and gastrointestinal illnesses. For a pledge form or further information, contact the Children's Medical & Research Foundation, at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Dublin 12 (01-4096300, www.cmrf.org)
Music therapy open day
Music therapy's benefits to people with special needs have been widely recognised. On Friday, from 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., the Irish World Music Centre is holding an open day for anybody interested in taking a master's degree in music therapy. More information from 061-213122 or see www.ul.ie/~iwmc
What causes ME?
Recent evidence suggests that four out of five people with myalgic encephalopathy - once disparaged as "yuppie flu" - developed the condition from a virus. One of the most common causes is the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes glandular fever. Another common trigger is believed to be exposure to organophosphates. Treatment approaches for ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, will be discussed by Dr Olga Turner, a cardiologist, paediatrician and homeopath, next Monday at Sachs Hotel in Dublin from 8 p.m. Admission is 5. Details from 01-2350965.
Having a ball
Punchestown Kidney Research Fund, which was established by James Nolan in 1990, is a voluntary fund-raising group supporting research ventures that aim to understand diseases of the kidney and thereby improve the quality of life of patients with renal disease. As part of its fund-raising activities, it is hosting Waterford Crystal Punchestown Ball, a black-tie event at Kilashee House Hotel in Naas, Co Kildare, on Friday. Tickets, which cost 80, are available from Daire Murray at 045-895128 or 087-2406187.
Lifelines is compiled by Dr Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson
lifelines@irish-times.ie