Denis Naughten
Question:153 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13548/99]
Written Answers. - Diabetes Incidence.
Denis Naughten
Question:154 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people in each of the past five years diagnosed with diabetes; the plans, if any, he has to investigate the increase in these figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13549/99]
Denis Naughten
Question:155 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to ensure that all individuals diagnosed with diabetes receive counselling and are aware of the back up services which are provided through the health boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13550/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 to 155, inclusive, together.
The statistical information requested by the Deputy is not available on a routine basis in my Department. I have asked the chief executive officer of each of the health boards to compile the information sought and to communicate it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
The majority of people with diabetes suffer from non insulin dependant or type II diabetes. As this type of diabetes usually affects the over 40s it is likely that we will see an increase in the number of cases as the age of our population increases. Ireland is a signatory to the St. Vincent Declaration, a World Health Organisation declaration which sets outcome targets that aim to reduce major health problems relating to diabetes in both adults and children. At present, a task force is looking at what needs to be done in order for Ireland to comply with the declaration. The report of the task force is expected shortly and any recommendations in that report will be acted upon.
Towards the end of last year I gave assistance, through the national lottery, to the Barretstown Gang Camp towards the establishment of camps for both children and adolescents to help them learn to manage their diabetes. The Health Promotion Strategy, Shaping a Healthier Future, includes diabetes as one of the public health issues to be addressed. The document states that this will be done by raising awareness in the population and among healthcare professionals of the opportunities for the prevention of the complications of diabetes and of diabetes itself; promoting independence, equity and self-sufficiency for all people with diabetes; reducing morbidity and mortality from coronary heart disease in diabetics by rigorous programmes of risk factor reduction. Since 1992 the health promotion unit of my Department has supported the development of health promoting materials, a national radio awareness campaign and resource materials for teachers.