Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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380. To ask the Minister for Health if he has a strategy for the early diagnosis and control of diabetes; the age levels at which such a strategy might be adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47456/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The National Framework for the Integrated Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease in Ireland 2020-2025, sets out a national framework for an integrated approach to the prevention and management of chronic disease in Ireland over the coming years. The framework was developed in relation to four major chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes.

The Model of Integrated Care for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes recommends screening for diabetes in asymptomatic patients who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Early identification of patients and initiation of treatment can reduce the development of complications of diabetes.

Early detection of chronic disease requires clinical suspicion combined with case finding. The Chronic Disease Management Programme, introduced by the 2019 GP GMS Agreement, includes an opportunistic case finding programme to identify eligible patients at high risk of chronic disease (cardiovascular disease, COPD, asthma and/or diabetes). Patients identified as having a chronic disease are included in the structured treatment programme. Patients at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease or diabetes are provided with an annual preventive consultation.

A number of programmes and strategies support diabetes prevention for the wider population, including the Making Every Contact Count Programme through which health professionals encourage patients to make healthier lifestyle choices during routine contacts to help prevent and manage chronic diseases, and Healthy Ireland’s A Healthy Weight for Ireland: Obesity Policy and Action Plan which recognises obesity as a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

Other relevant programmes focus on children’s health and early intervention, such as the Healthy Ireland Smart Start, the HSE’s National Healthy Childhood Programme, and the provision of free GP for all children under six which includes two periodic wellness checks that focus on health and wellbeing and disease prevention.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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381. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons diagnosed with various forms of diabetes in Ireland; the number and treatment; the extent to which the disease can be removed as a major threat to health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47457/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.