Online diabetes assessment launched ahead of world diabetes day

World Diabetes Day takes place next Friday (November 14) and a new online risk assessment has been launched by Diabetes Ireland to help raise awareness of the condition.

The online risk assessment for Type 2 Diabetes is available at: www.diabetes.ie/living-with-diabetes/are-you-at-risk/

It takes individuals through a series of questions and then calculates their responses and scores them accordingly. On completion of the test, individuals are offered information on the steps they can take either to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or ensure early diagnosis of the condition..

It's estimated that Ireland has 225,000 people with diabetes.

The greatest number of people with diabetes are between 40 and 59 years of age, and delayed diagnosis means that many people already have one complication by the time they are diagnosed.

It's also worth noting that over 70% of Type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed by adopting healthier lifestyles.

Dr Anna Clarke, Health Promotion & Research Officer, Diabetes Ireland, said: “Type 2 diabetes is an epidemic that can only be controlled by individuals identifying their own risk profile and taking action to prevent, or at least delay its onset, through making healthier lifestyle choices today. Each day, I see people with diabetes who would love to tell others to take action now and protect their future health.”

While the test provides a risk marker, it is not a diagnosis and for those whose result is categorised as “high risk”, they will be encouraged to attend their GP immediately for a fasting blood glucose test.

Diabetes Ireland is encouraging people who may have a family history of diabetes, are over 40 years of age, overweight for their height and do not take 30 minutes of daily activity each day to log on to www.diabetes.ie and take the test.

Dr Clarke continued “35% of people who take positive action can avoid developing Type 2 diabetes and I would encourage all people over 40 years to take the test, its takes 2 minutes and can be the start of your move to a new positive healthier you”. 

To support the work of Diabetes Ireland and to mark World Diabetes Day, text DIABETES to 50300 to donate €2 to the charity.