On a recent episode of Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, host John Comiskey welcomed Christina Hamilton, Educational Support Worker with Diabetes Ireland, for an in-depth conversation about living with diabetes — from the early signs to the supports available today.
“My background is in diabetes nursing,” Christina explained. “Here at Diabetes Ireland, we work to support people living with diabetes through education, resources, and emotional wellbeing programmes.”
🩸What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot properly produce or use insulin — a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Christina outlined the two main types most people live with in Ireland:
- Type 1 Diabetes – an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually develops suddenly and requires lifelong insulin treatment.
“It’s not caused by diet or lifestyle,” Christina emphasized. “It’s not preventable, but it is manageable.”
- Type 2 Diabetes – the more common form, where the body produces less insulin or becomes resistant to it.
“Type 2 can be symptomless for years,” Christina said. “It’s often linked to age, weight, or inactivity — but with awareness and early testing, it can be managed and sometimes even reversed.”
🔎 Recognizing the Signs
Christina shared a simple way to remember the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes — the acronym TEST:
- T – Thirst (increased thirst)
- E – Energy (low energy or fatigue)
- S – Sudden weight change
- T – Toileting (frequent urination or bedwetting in children)
“If you or your child experience these symptoms,” Christina urged, “see your GP immediately. Early diagnosis saves lives.”
🍎 Managing Diabetes: Diet, Lifestyle, and Education
While Type 1 diabetes requires insulin injections, Type 2 can often be managed through diet, exercise, and education.
“Healthy eating benefits everyone — not just those with diabetes,” Christina said. “Smaller portions, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and less sugar make a big difference.”
To support people in managing Type 2 diabetes, Diabetes Ireland runs CODE – a structured education programme that helps individuals understand diet, exercise, and medication in daily life.
💚 Emotional Wellbeing Matters Too
Beyond the physical symptoms, living with diabetes can take a mental and emotional toll. Christina spoke passionately about the need for psychological support.
“Unfortunately, in Ireland, access to diabetes-specific psychology is very limited,” she said. “That’s why we’ve launched emotional wellbeing programmes like COPE, CARE, and DREAMS, all designed to help people and families look after their mental health.”
For parents of children with diabetes, Diabetes Ireland also runs family fun days, camps, and support sessions.
“It’s about connection and community,” Christina said. “Parents need support too — they carry a huge emotional load.”
📈 The Bigger Picture
In Ireland, around 300,000 people are living with diabetes — approximately 10% with Type 1 and 90% with Type 2.
“But only a fraction are members of Diabetes Ireland,” Christina noted. “Membership is just €5 per month, and it helps us keep these programmes going for everyone.”
Membership includes access to webinars, educational sessions, magazines, and new wellbeing programmes — all developed by healthcare professionals.
☎️ Get in Touch
If you or someone you know is living with diabetes, support is available.
- Helpline: (01) 842 8118 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
- Email: info@diabetes.ie
- Website: www.diabetes.ie
“We’re here to help — whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have lived with diabetes for years,” Christina said. “You’re not alone.”
🎙️ Disability Matters airs on 92.5 Phoenix FM,
🕓 Thursdays at 4PM, with repeats on Mondays 3AM, Tuesdays 3AM & 7AM.