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Diabetes health awareness exhibition

[Posted: Wed 26/10/2005 - www.irishhealth.com]

By Deborah Condon

Over 20,000 people in Ireland will develop type 2 diabetes in the next three years, however this figure could be halved by simple changes in lifestyle, such as maintinaing a healthy diet and regular exercise, the Diabetes Federation of Ireland (DFI) has said.

According to the federation, an estimated 200,000 people currently have diabetes, but half of these are unaware of the long-term harm the condition can cause. However diabetes education should not just be for those who have already been diagnosed with the condition. Instead the entire population needs to be aware of it.

"The global rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes in adults and more importantly in children and adolescents, which has great relevance to Ireland, is highlighting the need for everybody to understand and recognise the symptoms and risk factors of diabetes", the DFI said.

In order to raise awareness of these issues, the federation is holding its National Diabetes Health Awareness Exhibition in Dublin on November 6. Members of the public will be able to avail of information and free health checks, including diabetes testing, glaucoma screening, cholesterol testing, blood pressure testing, weight checks and diabetic retinopathy testing.

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"The importance of the exhibition can be summed up by the fact that last year, 8% of attendees screened were referred on for further diabetes testing. Also 9% of attendees tested for glaucoma and 40% of attendees tested for high cholesterol were referred on for further testing", explained DFI chairperson, Dr Tony O'Sullivan.

The exhibition, he added, provides a great opportunity for people with diabetes and those at risk from the condition to obtain a free, comprehensive health check.

Those attending can also put questions to health professionals on specific areas relating to diet, exercise, weight control and other related issues. Younger visitors are welcome too and face painters and clowns will be on hand to provide entertainment throughout the day.

"For the wider public, knowing and recognising the symptoms and factors which put you more at risk of developing diabetes, is just one step that can be taken", Dr O'Sullivan said.

The exhibition is free of charge and open to all members of the public. It takes place on Sunday, November 6, in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin, from 12 - 5pm. For more information, contact the DFI at (01) 836 3022 or 1850 909 909.

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