NI diabetics 'unaware' of condition

NI diabetics 'unaware' of condition

Doctors say up to 25,000 people could be unaware they are diabetic

As many as 25,000 people in Northern Ireland are unaware they have diabetes, according to the Health Promotion Agency.

Doctors say the number of people who have already been diagnosed with the disease, believed to be in the region of 40,000, is too high for the population.

The Department of Health's senior medical officer, Dr Naresh Chada, said a healthy lifestyle can prevent diabetes.

"We are starting to come forward with research that says it is preventable now," she said.

"Two of the biggest risk factors are obesity and lack of exercise.

"People who start to partake in more exercise and think more carefully about what they are eating could actually be preventing the disease in the future for themselves."