Diabetes is a complex condition that significantly affects both the quality of life of those living with it and the healthcare system as a whole.
Described by The Lancet in a 2023 editorial as 'a defining disease of the 21st century', understanding who is most affected by diabetes has become increasingly important as its burden continues to grow. This growing need for insight has prompted closer investigation into how the condition is distributed across different groups in Ireland.
At RCSI, a team of researchers have uncovered significant inequalities in diabetes prevalence across Ireland, tied to differences in socio-economic status, age and education levels.
Led by Professor Edward Gregg and Dr Gintare Valentelyte from the RCSI School of Population Health, RCSI researchers analysed data from the Healthy Ireland Survey spanning 2015 to 2023. The team found that those from disadvantaged areas, as well as those with lower levels of education, are more likely to have, or develop, diabetes.
Among disadvantaged communities, 6% of individuals reported having diabetes – almost three times higher than the 2.2% recorded among those in more affluent areas. Research also revealed diabetes rates to be three times higher among those who have not progressed beyond primary school education when compared to those with postgraduate degrees.
While these findings underscored stark inequalities in diabetes prevalence, the study suggests that targeting existing diabetes prevention programmes at these marginalised groups could improve diabetes prevalence among the Irish population over time.
Targeted prevention
The research shows that, while overall diabetes rates across Ireland are stable, the high prevalence in lower socio-economic areas remains a concern. In order for diabetes prevention strategies to be effective, resources must account for, and accommodate, the specific challenges faced by various marginalised groups across the country.
The need for targeted and accessible support among all social demographics is evident from the research findings.
Hopefully, this study highlights the existing gap in services and education and inspires a more individualised approach to diabetes prevention going forward.
Public health interventions
The study provides critical insights to guide more equitable public health interventions aimed at reducing diabetes prevalence across Ireland.
This publication has emanated from research conducted with the support of Science Foundation Ireland, as well as a Research Ireland Research Professorship Programme for Professor Edward Gregg.
The research was carried out in partnership with Imperial College London, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast; Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne; and the School of Medicine, Western Sydney University.
Read the study in full here.
For more information on the causes, risks and symptoms of diabetes in the HSE publication, Diabetes Prevention: A Guide to Healthy Living.
RCSI is committed to achieving a better and more sustainable future through the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
