24,000 Could Have Undiagnosed Diabetes in Ireland according to DMVhi Study conducted by Vhi Healthcare
- Men nearly 3 times more likely to have abnormal blood sugar levels and undiagnosed diabetes.
17th April, 2015 – A staggering 24,000 people could have undiagnosed diabetes according to the findings of a study conducted by Vhi Healthcare. Vhi Healthcare conducted the largest ever study into diabetes risk and cardiovascular risk in Ireland between 2009 and 2013 and the findings were published recently in PLOS ONE (Public Library of Science), a peer-reviewed, open access journal that publishes work from all fields of scientific research*.
Nearly 30,000 people participated in the research which found that 17% of participants (nearly 5,000 people) had abnormal initial fasting blood sugar levels, 1.8% had undiagnosed diabetes and 10% had confirmed pre-diabetes. Abnormal blood sugar levels, pre-diabetes and diabetes were more common in men than in women with men 2-3 times more likely to have abnormal blood sugar levels and undiagnosed diabetes.
The DMVhi study set out to understand how common diabetes and pre-diabetes really are in Ireland and to gather information about risk factors for the condition with a view to providing a comprehensive body of research which could then inform prevention strategies and also give an insight into the likely complications facing the Irish health service and population as a result of this condition.
A number of factors have been shown to increase the risk of developing diabetes. The DMVhi study examined how common these were in Ireland and their link to pre-diabetes and diabetes. The research found that people with abnormal blood sugar levels were significantly more likely to be older, male, smokers, with abdominal obesity, higher BMI and waist circumference and higher blood pressure. They were also less likely to exercise five days a week or eat fruit or vegetables each day. The study found that the risk of having undiagnosed diabetes increased by 89% for every 5 KG / m2 increase in body mass index which demonstrates the importance of modifiable lifestyle factors in preventing diabetes.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Bernadette Carr, Medical Director, Vhi Healthcare and Author of the Report stated “The results of our research suggest that the rate of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes is higher in Ireland than in similar European countries such as Britain and Holland. These results provide valuable information for strategic healthcare planning and use of healthcare resources in Ireland. They also demonstrate how important it is for individuals to understand and manage their own health risks. By making some very simple lifestyle changes, people can improve their outcomes, and in the case of pre-diabetes can even delay or prevent progression to diabetes.”
The research was conducted in Vhi Healthcare’s dedicated medical centres in Cork and Dublin. As well as providing screening for type II diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors, the Vhi Medical Centres also offer a range of health screening packages, designed to give customers an overview of their health, help identify risk factors that may cause potential health issues in the future and allow customers take a more proactive approach to managing their health. Further details on the Vhi Healthcare Medical Centres can be found on www.vhi.ie/members/screening.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The findings of the DMVhi study can be viewed at the following link: http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0122704
Vhi_Press
17-Apr-2015