Diabetes: Know the risks and address them now

Did you know that diabetes is one of the most commonly diagnosed long-term health conditions in Ireland?

As we mark World Diabetes Day on November 14th, it is a good time to stop and think about a condition that affects more people in Ireland every year, and indeed globally - and, for many, without them even realising it.

Over 220,000 people in Ireland are currently living with diabetes. But what is more worrying is that an estimated 30,000 people are living with the condition but are unaware of it. On top of that, around 146,000 Irish adults are in what’s known as the ‘pre-diabetes’ stage - a crucial window where lifestyle changes can still prevent or delay it from developing.

These numbers tell a simple story: diabetes is one of Ireland’s fastest-growing health challenges, yet many people do not recognise the symptoms (when present) or know they may be at risk.

What is diabetes - and why does it matter?

It occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar (glucose). In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, the hormone that moves glucose from your bloodstream into your cells for energy. In type 2 diabetes, which accounts for about 90% of cases, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively (both abnormalities are usually present to varying degrees).

Over time, high blood sugar can silently damage blood vessels and nerves. This can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, visual loss and poor circulation. But the good news is that early detection and lifestyle management can dramatically reduce these risks.

Why many cases go undiagnosed

Many people with diabetes - usually type 2 - may have no obvious symptoms at first. These often develop slowly over months or even years. Early warning symptoms include:

• Feeling unusually thirsty or hungry
• Needing to urinate more often
• Unexplained tiredness or lack of energy
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Tingling or numbness in the feet

As the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for ‘just getting older’ or ‘being run down’, people often do not realise anything is wrong. That is why regular health checks are so important, especially if you are over 40, overweight, or have a family history of diabetes.

At Mater Private Network Cork, we regularly see patients with prediabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes. By diagnosing early, we can manage it before it causes lasting damage.

Who is most at risk?

Several factors increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes:

Being overweight, particularly excess fat around the waist. This is a worry when over 60% of men and 50% of women are reported as overweight or obese. (Healthy Ireland Survey 2024)

• Having a family history of diabetes
• Being physically inactive - just 2 in 5 people meet the recommended guideline of 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (Healthy Ireland Survey 2024)
• High blood pressure or
• High cholesterol
• Having gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
• Belonging to certain ethnic backgrounds (South Asian, Middle Eastern, African descent)
• Risk also rises with age - but it is important to remember that type 2 diabetes is increasing across age profiles because of rising rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

Prediabetes: your body’s warning light

Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. You may not feel unwell at this stage, but it is your body’s warning light - and an opportunity - to make changes before it is too late.

The encouraging news is that prediabetes is reversible. Regular exercise, losing even a small amount of weight (5-10% of body weight), and improving diet, collectively called lifestyle changes, can significantly lower your risk of developing diabetes.

A simple blood test by your GP can identify prediabetes. If you are over 40 or have any of the risk factors mentioned above, it is well worth getting checked.

Diabetes and menopause - an overlooked link

One area often overlooked is the link between hormonal changes at menopause and blood glucose control. During menopause, falling oestrogen levels can affect how the body responds to insulin, potentially increasing the risk of developing diabetes or making blood glucose levels harder to manage for women who already have it.

Symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, and weight gain - common in menopause - can also mask early diabetes warning signs.

For women going through this transition, regular check-ups and blood tests are important, especially if there’s a family history of diabetes or other risk factors. Simple lifestyle adjustments, alongside advice from a GP or an Endocrinologist, can make a big difference.

Small changes, big impact

Diabetes prevention and management are not about radical diets or impossible routines. They are about realistic, sustainable habits.

Here are practical steps everyone can take:

• Move more: Aim for 30 minutes of brisk walking or moderate exercise on most days.
• Eat balanced meals: Choose whole grains, lean proteins, fruit and vegetables. Cut down on sugary drinks and processed foods.
• Watch portion sizes: Even healthy foods can cause weight gain if eaten in excess.
• Know your numbers: Have glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly.
• Do not ignore warning signs: If something feels off - persistent tiredness, thirst, or vision changes - get tested.

The bottom line: knowledge is power

Diabetes does not need to be a silent threat. The more you understand your risk, the more control you have over your health.

If you have been putting off a check-up, use this as a reminder to take that first step - book a blood test, talk to your GP, or simply start walking more and eating better.

At Mater Private Network Cork, our diabetes and endocrinology team is here to help people manage their condition effectively and live full, healthy lives. We also work closely with patients at risk of diabetes to help them take preventative steps early - before complications ever arise.

World Diabetes Day on November 14 aims to raise awareness of diabetes and promote better prevention, early diagnosis, and ongoing support for people living with the condition.