Diabetes awareness day for city centre

A DIABETES Awareness Day is being hosted by Conefrey’s Pharmacy on Pearse Street this week as part of a national road show taking place in 20 locations across the country.

The Dublin City awareness day on Thursday, August 11 is open to members of the public and involves a Diabetes Ireland professional offering free risk assessments for attendees, as well as advice and information on the risk factors, symptoms, management and treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

It is estimated that there are currently 225,840 people living with diabetes in Ireland, or approximately one in every 20 (one in eight over the age of 60), and that by 2030 there will be 278,850 people with the condition.

Type 2 diabetes usually develops slowly in adulthood. It is progressive and can sometimes be treated with diet and exercise, but more often may require anti-diabetic medicine and/or insulin injections.

Speaking at the official launch of the road show, Gary Hannify, Brand & Customer Manager with MSD said:

“In Ireland, diabetes has a prevalence rate of 6.5 per cent in the population, and a number of these people may not have been formally diagnosed, or for those who have been diagnosed, they may have questions regarding treatment and self management.

“We are very pleased to partner with Diabetes Ireland in rolling out this important initiative, which we hope will help people in Dublin and across the country better understand the risk factors associated with Type 2 diabetes, how to identify symptoms, manage a diagnosis and understand treatment options.

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He added:

“The awareness day in Conefrey’s Pharmacy is open to all members of the general public and we would invite them to come along, speak with the onsite professionals and ask any questions they might have to understand more about the condition.

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Speaking about the importance of the diabetes awareness road show, Sinead Hanley, Regional Development Officer with Diabetes Ireland, added:

“Diabetes in Ireland, particularly Type 2 – has reached epidemic proportions.

“Chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes can often seem daunting, which is why it is so important that people educate themselves on how to identify risk factors in their lifestyle and correct the modifiable ones, complete an assessment and proactively manage their health.

“We are delighted to have the support of MSD on a national and community level and to partner with their team in order to take this road show around the country.

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Tomas Conefrey, Pharmacist at Conefrey’s Pharmacy said they were delighted to host the diabetes awareness day in on August 11.

“We would like to extend the invitation not only to existing customers but to all members of the public to come along between 10am and 4pm,

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“We look forward to seeing new and familiar faces on the day.

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For full details on the Diabetes Awareness Roadshow visit www.diabetes.ie