The total number of adults in Northern Ireland aged 17 and over living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is 75,837. A further 1,088 children and young people under 17 are now known to have Type 1 diabetes.
Prevalence in the Northern Ireland population is now over 4%. There are also an estimated 10,000 people who have diabetes but have not yet been diagnosed.
Diabetes is on the increase in Northern Ireland as it is worldwide. The number of people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes has increased by 33% in Northern Ireland during the last five years compared to just 25% in England, 20% in Wales and 18% in Scotland.
If not properly managed and treated diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, amputation and kidney failure.
However, with adequate support and treatment, it is possible to lead a long and complication-free life with diabetes. Diabetes UK Northern Ireland is on hand to offer that support, along with your dedicated healthcare team.