The HSE has advised the Irish public to be on the lookout for early warning signs of a disease that can cause life changing medial issues, up to and including amputations and paralysis.
According to the HSE, a whopping 308,948 folks in Ireland, which is about 6% of the population, are battling diabetes. Of these numbers, some 30,895 battle Type 1 diabetes while a much larger bunch of about 275,904 have Type 2 diabetes.
In an alarming twist, a Healthy Ireland survey from 2021 hints that up to 30% of those with Type 2 diabetes might be none the wiser about their condition. And it’s not looking up, experts reckon that within the next decade or so, cases of Type 2 diabetes could skyrocket by 60%.
Now, if your GP has given you a prediabetic diabetes, there’s still plenty you can do to nip it in the bud or even turn it around completely before it morphs into Type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes, which some call non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, is when your blood sugar is up there but hasn’t quite hit the diabetes marker. It’s a sneaky one because while it doesn’t trigger immediate health woes, it’s setting the stage for the likes of Type 2 diabetes, not to mention heart disease and stroke.
The real issue, though, is that prediabetes tends to fly under the radar without symptoms, making it a tough nut to crack early on. The HSE has even issued a warning: “Many people have prediabetes without realising it because they do not have signs or symptoms.”
However, there are some key warning signs to watch out for. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following signs could indicate prediabetes and should be discussed with a doctor:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination: When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys work harder to filter excess glucose.
- Fatigue: Fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause fatigue.
- Blurred vision: Changes in blood sugar levels can cause blurred vision.
- Increased hunger: Also known as polyphagia, this is a common symptom of prediabetes.
- Unexplained weight loss: Even if you’re eating more, this can be an early warning sign of prediabetes.
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, impairing blood circulation.
- Darkened skin: This can appear on the neck, armpits, and groin.
- Skin tags: While harmless, having many skin tags may be a sign of Type 2 diabetes.
The only way to confirm prediabetes is through a blood test with your doctor. The HSE advises: “Contact your GP if you have any symptoms of diabetes or you’re worried you may have a risk of getting it. They can do a blood test (called HbA1c) to check your blood glucose levels. It usually takes a few days for the results to come back.
“The results of your test will show if you have: No diabetes (less than 42mmol/mol), prediabetes (42 to 47mmol/mol) or Type 2 diabetes (48mmol/mol).”
The good news is that prediabetes does not always lead to Type 2 diabetes, and early intervention can help prevent or delay the condition. The HSE says those with prediabetes can “act now to help delay and prevent Type 2 diabetes”. This includes being more active and reducing long periods of time sitting, losing weight if you need to, eating healthy food and having check-ups as advised by your GP or practice nurse.
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing prediabetes. According to the HSE, you may be at higher risk if you:
- Are over 45
- Have a close relative with diabetes such as a parent, brother or sister
- Are an adult who has obesity or overweight
- Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- Are physically inactive – for example, if you take less than 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days per week
- Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low-HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides
- Have a history of heart disease
- Have a medical condition that needs long-term steroid use
- Are a member of the Travelling community
- Are of south Asian, Chinese, Hispanic, African, Caribbean or black African origin
- Have haemochromatosis – storing too much iron in your body
- Are a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Diabetes Ireland is the country’s only national charity dedicated to supporting people with diabetes. For more information, visit their website HERE.
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