COMEDIAN BRENDAN Grace has urged people with symptoms of type 2 diabetes to get tested before it is too late.
Grace (57) said he could have lost his foot as a result of an infection which is a symptom of the diabetes he was diagnosed with 14 years ago. He was forced to cancel all his pre-Christmas engagements, including book signings for Amusing Grace, in which he addresses the issue of his diabetes for the first time.
Grace said that, contrary to rumours, he would not be “auditioning for the part of Long John Silver”, but wanted to raise awareness of the dangers of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease associated with obesity.
The Institute of Public Health estimates that the number of people with the disease in Ireland will reach almost 200,000 by 2015 and 400,000 within 25 years. It is treatable if caught early and can be alleviated with a change in lifestyle. Symptoms include fatigue, increased thirst and urination.
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