HSE helping people reduce risk of type 2 diabetes with free intervention and support programmes

Ahead of World Diabetes Day (14 November), the HSE highlights the range of supports and services for people at risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as for people living with type 2 diabetes so they can manage their condition and live a healthy life. There are approximately 270,000 people living with type 2 diabetes in Ireland today.

Professor Derek O’Keeffe, Clinical Lead for the HSE National Clinical Programme for Diabetes, said:

“A person living with pre-diabetes or diabetes requires time and support to understand what the condition is, how to treat and manage it, and the serious nature of the condition if not treated.  The HSE diabetes programmes aim to empower people, providing them with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to engage in changes that will benefit their health for the long term. Participants learn how to self-care and manage the condition in partnership with their GP and healthcare teams, which helps avoid serious health complications.”

Data from pilot phases of the programmes show very positive results: 

• 75% of people with pre-diabetes on the HSE National Diabetes Prevention Programme lost weight and 50% managed to bring their blood glucose levels back to within the normal range.
• There were significant improvements in outcomes for people with a new or existing diagnosis of type 2 diabetes on the HSE DISCOVER DIABETES programme, a free course, including management of blood glucose, body weight, body mass index and levels of diabetes distress associated with living with diabetes.  

GP programme identifies 16,000 patients with pre-diabetes

The HSE delivers person-centred, integrated, accessible care to patients living with diabetes and other chronic diseases as close to home as possible. The Structured Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Programme, has had a positive impact for people with chronic diseases, including diabetes.

Dr Sarah O’Brien, HSE National Clinical Adviser and Group Lead for Chronic Disease, said:

“In the first two years of the Opportunistic Case Finding Programme, over 16,000 patients were identified as having pre-diabetes and over 2,800 patients were newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and enrolled onto the Chronic Disease Management Treatment and Preventive Programmes, as appropriate. Eligible patients have scheduled reviews with their GP and Practice Nurse, with a focus on lifestyle health behaviour improvements and/ or medical management of diabetes and associated risk factors.”

Earlier this year, a new Diabetes in Pregnancy model of care was launched, to support the estimated 7,000 women in Ireland a year who develop gestational diabetes and/ or pre-eclampsia. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes from 1 January 2023 are eligible for the Chronic Disease Management Programme and are being supported through an annual review with their GP and a care plan aimed at reducing their risks.