Ray Butler (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the HSE's report on type 2 diabetes in Ireland that was released last week. The report claims there are 200,000 people in Ireland who have type 2 diabetes. I would say there are another 200,000 to 300,000, which is a conservative estimate, who do not know they have type 2 diabetes. The report called on GPs to do more about the issue and wants GPs to advertise the seriousness of type 2 diabetes.

People can be given a chance to improve their health, and I am the living proof, if we implement giving a free blood test for type 2 diabetes to people once they have reached a certain age. I make the suggestion because it costs €60 for the first appointment with a GP, €25 for a blood test and finally €45 to see the GP a second time to get the results. Many people do not have €130 to spend in this way. Last August, I was 50 years of age and weighed 17 stone and 11 pounds when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and today I weigh just 11 stone and 8 pounds. The diagnosis acted as a wake-up call, particularly when I was told I had to take nine tablets a day for the rest of my life. When one is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, one becomes part of the long-term illness list scheme, which costs the taxpayer a lot of money. A free blood test and awareness campaign will save money in the long term because type 2 diabetes can eventually worsen and become type 1 diabetes. I ask for the Leader to invite the Minister to come to the House to debate the report. I want us to ask him to roll out a free blood test, which would give people a chance in life.