People in Mayo are being encouraged to get diabetes aware at a roadshow event at Staunton’s Pharmacy, Main Street, Castlebar, on Wednesday (April 30 ).
Regional development officer with Diabetes Ireland, Pauline Dunne, says the condition has now reached ‘epidemic proportions’ and stressed the importance of increased education and awareness around diabetes.
The awareness event in Castlebar is one of 20 taking place nationwide, hosted by Diabetes Ireland in partnership with health company MSD.
The Castlebar awareness day is open to all members of the public and will see health professionals offering free risk assessments and advice and information on the risk factors, symptoms, management, and treatment of type 2 diabetes.
It is estimated that one in 20 Irish people are living with diabetes, rising to one in eight over the age of 60.
Launching the roadshow, Conor Doyle, diabetes brand manager, MSD, said he hopes the event will help people in Mayo, and across the country, to better understand the risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes, identify symptoms, manage a diagnosis, and understand treatment options.
“The awareness day in Castlebar 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,” he said.
Ms Dunne said living with a chronic condition such as diabetes, which has now reached epidemic proportions, can seem daunting.
“[This 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.”
The event runs from 9.30am to 3pm at Staunton’s Pharmacy, Castlebar, on Wednesday April 30.
For more information visit www.diabetes.ie
