Diabetes | T&F

According to estimates from The Diabetic Federation of Ireland, there are over 200,000 diabetics in Ireland, of which more than 50 per cent do not know they have diabetes.

One of the primary characteristics of diabetes mellitus, as defined by the WHO, is chronic hypoglycaemia.

Over 80 per cent of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese.

Choosing healthy lifestyle choices can prevent type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes prevention programmes show that drugs such as metformin are considerably more effective in managing diabetes than any lifestyle interventions.

In terms of dietary planning, the consumption of trans-fats offers no greater risk to a diabetic than the risk consuming saturated fat.

Porridge, with its low GI, fibre-rich carbs and natural mood-boosting properties, could be described as the perfect start to the day for a diabetic.

Regular, moderate exercise has been proven to improve glycaemic control and management in diabetics whilst offering a significant benefit reduction in cardiovascular-related death.

Following a recent review, the highly-effective first oral GLP-1 RA, Semaglutide, is fully reimbursable via LTI/GMS from the HSE.

Thiazolidinediones should be avoided for use in diabetics with cardiovascular problems