The incidence of diabetes or pre-diabetes was found to double for men compared to women, according to figures released by Vhi Healthcare to mark 2012 Type 2 Diabetes Day.
The Vhi Healthcare screening project is the largest ever study of its kind in Ireland. It has been underway since January 2009 and to date over 24,000 people have been screened for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors. Of the people screened, over 2,500 people were diagnosed with either diabetes or pre-diabetes, 1,600 of whom were men compared to a little over 900 women. More women than men attended for screening, representing 18.5 per cent of men and 8.4 per cent of the women screened.
The Vhi Healthcare study also identified a number of findings regarding risk factors for diabetes. Of those screened, 76 per cent of men were found to be overweight or obese compared to 54 per cent of women (based on their body mass index) and 23 per cent of women and 27 per cent of men had high blood pressure on the day of screening regardless of whether they had been diagnosed with high blood pressure previously or not.
Commenting on the findings Dr Bernadette Carr, Medical Director, Vhi Healthcare said: “These figures highlight the importance for both sexes to be aware of the risk factors for diabetes. Early detection and lifestyle changes can improve outcomes, and in the case of pre-diabetes can even delay or prevent progression to diabetes.”
To mark 2012 Type 2 Diabetes Day, Vhi Healthcare also announced that it has introduced a range of new health screening packages. The new screening packages are 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”.
Commenting on the introduction of the screening programmes and the findings of the screening study, Dr Carr stated: “Ireland is facing a major epidemic of lifestyle related diseases in the years ahead and we must take steps to tackle it immediately. For our part Vhi Healthcare has made the strategic decision to position ourselves as a ‘healthcare partner’ to our 1.2 million members and to support their needs in the areas of illness prevention, illness detection and illness management. The introduction of these screening packages is one in a series of initiatives we have commenced over the last number of years with the specific aim of becoming a healthcare partner to our customers.
“We believe Vhi Healthcare can play a significant role in helping to manage future healthcare expenditure over the next 10 years.” Details on the new Vhi Healthcare screening packages can be found on www.vhi.ie or by calling 1890 44 44 44.
