Diabetes expert tells Ballynahinch group of developments

Diabetes expert tells Ballynahinch group of developments

14 November 2012

A LOCAL doctor who is a specialist in the treatment of diabetes was the guest speaker at the November meeting of Ballynahinch Diabetics’ Group.

Dr. Kieran Walshe, from Dundrum, works within the charity Diabetes UK which raises diabetic issues alongside connecting with people affected by the condition. Giving a short history of the development of diabetes treatment since the discovery of insulin in 1922 he mentioned in particular glucometer and insulin pumps changing the lives of many.

Dr. Walshe explained there are 75,000 people diagnosed with diabetes in Northern Ireland and perhaps another third have it but are not yet diagnosed.

He said diabetes is a complex condition which requires the patient ‘to be their own doctor’. The ability to adjust diet and monitoring their blood sugar enables the patient to live well with diabetes and avoid or delay the onset of complications.

Eighty per cent of diabetes care costs are due to complications, so restricting glucose monitoring strips by some GP’s can be very distressing. Patients are advised to discuss this directly with their GP as the circumstances in every case are different.

A good routine and diet with set times for taking medication and testing blood sugars, helps to reduces the overall burden of care.

In conclusion Dr Walshe gave practical tips on living better with diabetes including advice “try to do the best you can”.

Group Chairwoman, Josephine McConnell, thanked Dr. Walshe for his time and much appreciated information also thanking all who supported the recent car boot sale in Spa in aid of Diabetes UK which raised £1,000.

On December 3 the group is holding its Christmas dinner at Café Rossi’s. There is no January meeting and meetings resume on February 4 when Sister Linda Hanna from the Renal-Dialysis Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital will be the speaker.

Anyone affected by diabetes Type 1 or 2 is welcome at the meetings in Ballynahinch Leisure Centre on the first Monday of the month from February 13.