Kate Walsh (Progressive Democrats)

I am glad to have an opportunity to contribute to the debate. Rather than address the wider issue, I will focus on the specific issue of diabetes. I refer Members to the extensive contribution made by my party colleague two weeks ago for an excellent, wider consideration of men's health.

I have had diabetes for over 30 years and I believe I have managed it well. It is estimated that there are 250,000 diabetics in Ireland, nine out of ten of whom have type 2 diabetes. If current trends continue, it is predicted that by 2015 one third of all men in Ireland will face increased risk of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes must not be considered a future concern but a current problem. It is a critical and growing dilemma which must be addressed. I welcome the strategy for men's health; men with diabetes will benefit from it. However, the Diabetes Federation of Ireland has highlighted the need for a national diabetes strategy.

While approximately 250,000 people in Ireland have diabetes, it should be noted that approximately 100,000 people with diabetes are currently undiagnosed. I have reason to mention undiagnosed diabetes because I sometimes meet people who mention various symptoms, such as that their eyes are giving them trouble. I advise them to get checked for diabetes. A limited amount of knowledge is not ideal but it is a help. I noted with particular interest a recent appearance by Ronan Collins on "The Late Late Show". He revealed that he only discovered he was a diabetic when his general practitioner observed him consuming large quantities of cola when they were out playing golf.

It is agreed that men are poor when it comes to getting themselves checked out for medical problems. Undiagnosed type 2 diabetes is the primary cause of heart disease, kidney disease, lower limb amputations and blindness among people under 65 years of age. We must convey the message to men that they must have their health checked.

Many contributors to the debate two weeks ago referred to the lifestyle issues that are particular to men and the impact they have on their health. Men must check whether there is a family history of diabetes and take note of their levels of physical activity. They must understand that the likelihood of their developing diabetes increases with age. We must ensure that the general population, and men in particular because they are slow to have their health checked, take note of the risk factors. A simple blood test will detect diabetes. The tragedy is that people fail to get that blood test even though it can bring them back to good health when they learn how to manage their diabetes.

A further 100,000 people have pre-diabetes. If this is detected, it can be stabilised to prevent progression to diabetes. Earlier diagnosis of diabetics will mean fewer eye and cardiac problems, fewer limb amputations and less incidence of renal failure. It will also deliver cost savings for the health system.

Not enough credit is given to the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children for her work on this issue. She has clearly stated her concern and commitment to dealing with this problem. She has correctly acknowledged that the challenge in health now is to manage chronic illnesses in the community. In 2002, a total of 3,000 people entered the acute hospital system suffering from diabetes; in 2004, it was 4,000, an increase of 33%. The Tánaiste has stated that the most appropriate way to manage illnesses is at community level. This is why a major focus of the negotiations with doctors is on the management of chronic illnesses at primary care level. I congratulate the Tánaiste on her initiative in this regard.