Diabetes Ireland is organising a free type 1 diabetes evening for people with type 1 diabetes that will focus on understanding the psychological impact associated with type 1 diabetes and developing coping strategies on Tuesday, 27th November 2018 from 7:30pm in Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick.
Currently, there are an estimated 16,000 people with type 1 diabetes in Ireland. It is estimated that there are 900 people in Co Clare with Type 1 diabetes, including approx. 200 children.
Type 1 Diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition where the body cannot produce insulin which is a hormone that controls the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The body needs insulin to convert sugar to an energy source. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes.
Management of the condition involves trying to mimic what the body had previously done of its own accord, maintaining blood glucose levels within a healthy range with multiple factors affecting the level of glucose in the blood. Therefore, it can be exhausting – physically and emotionally.
This meeting in the Castletroy Park Hotel on Tuesday the 27th November will allow people living with type 1 diabetes to become aware of how living with this condition can impact mental health in a pleasant and friendly environment and is free to attend. This event should only be attended by those over the age of 18 years but parents of children with diabetes are welcome.
The speakers have a wealth of experience in the field of diabetes. Dr Mark Davies, Clinical Psychologist from Belfast City Hospital will provide information on the medical and psychological implications of living with type 1 diabetes, creating awareness of their increased risk of mental health issues, recognising and addressing diabetes distress or burnout and discuss coping strategies. Dr Eoin Noctor, Consultant Endocrinologist from University Hospital Limerick will talk about day to day management of type 1 diabetes.
Grainne Flynn, of the Clare branch of Diabetes Ireland and a person who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 25 years says, “I used to think that taking care of my diabetes was my responsibility and my burden and this made living with it so overwhelming and at times difficult to manage. But once I realised that my diabetes affected my family, I began to talk more openly about my struggles with it and it really does help.”
We look forward to seeing a large audience on the night. For more information on living with type 1 diabetes, events calendar and the work of Diabetes Ireland see www.diabetes.ie .