We hope you will join Shay for this informative and empowering talk, taking place at 6pm on Friday, 23rd October 2026, at New Leaf Health Store, Kanturk. Places cost €10 and must be booked in advance. To reserve your place, call the shop on 029 51922.
Type 2 diabetes is becoming an increasingly important health concern, affecting people across a wider range of ages than ever before. In Ireland, an estimated 158,500 people aged 20–79 were living with diabetes in 2024, up from 139,100 in 2021. These figures highlight the importance of understanding the condition, recognising the early warning signs and learning how we can better support our metabolic health.
While type 2 diabetes was once more commonly associated with older adults, it is increasingly affecting younger people too. The condition often develops gradually over many years, as the body becomes less responsive to insulin, the hormone responsible for helping regulate blood sugar levels. This process, known as insulin resistance, can go unnoticed for a long time before blood glucose levels rise into the diabetic range.
The encouraging news is that there are steps we can take to support our health and, in many cases, reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For those already living with the condition, appropriate nutritional and lifestyle changes can also play an important role in improving blood sugar control and overall wellbeing.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
Type 2 diabetes is influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, nutrition, physical activity, sleep and our wider environment. While we cannot change our genetic inheritance, understanding the factors that influence our health can help us make more informed choices.
Recognising the early signs is also important. Increased thirst, frequent urination, persistent tiredness, blurred vision and slow-healing wounds can all be symptoms of diabetes. However, some people experience few or no noticeable symptoms, particularly in the earlier stages. Prediabetes, where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range, can also go undetected without appropriate testing.
If you have concerns about your blood sugar levels or your risk of developing diabetes, speaking with your GP about testing is a sensible first step.
Why Blood Sugar Balance Matters
When type 2 diabetes is not adequately controlled, persistently elevated blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves over time. This increases the risk of complications affecting the heart, circulation, eyes, kidneys and nervous system. Diabetes is also associated with other metabolic health concerns, including high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid levels and fatty liver disease.
Managing the condition is therefore about more than simply monitoring blood sugar. It is about supporting overall health, reducing the risk of complications and finding a sustainable approach that works for the individual.
For some people, this may involve reviewing eating habits, increasing physical activity, improving sleep and addressing other lifestyle factors. For others, medication remains an essential part of their care. With the right support, some people with type 2 diabetes can also achieve remission, although this is not possible for everyone and requires ongoing monitoring.
Importantly, lifestyle changes should complement prescribed treatment rather than replace medication without medical guidance.
Join Shay Kearney for an Informative Talk
At New Leaf, we believe that understanding our health is an important step towards making positive, lasting changes. That is why we are highlighting an upcoming talk by Shay Kearney, Nutritional Therapist, who will explore practical, evidence-informed strategies for preventing type 2 diabetes and supporting those already living with the condition.
Shay will discuss the role of genetics, nutritional and environmental triggers, early warning signs and the lifestyle strategies that can help improve blood sugar regulation and metabolic health. She will also explore how type 2 diabetes may be better managed and, in some cases, brought into remission.
Whether you are concerned about your own health, have a family history of diabetes, are already managing the condition, or simply want to learn more about looking after yourself, this talk offers an opportunity to build your knowledge and explore positive steps towards better health.
Understanding the risks is the first step. Knowing what you can do about them is where positive change begins.