“Diabetes is a lifelong condition — but with the right support, education and care, people can live healthy and fulfilling lives.”
On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Christine Hamilton, Education and Support Coordinator at Diabetes Ireland, about one of the most common chronic health conditions in Ireland.
The conversation explored the different types of diabetes, early warning signs, prevention strategies and the wide range of supports available to individuals and families living with the condition.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the body manages glucose — the sugar in our blood that provides energy for the body’s cells.
Normally, the hormone insulin, produced in the pancreas, helps move glucose from the bloodstream into the body’s cells. When someone develops diabetes, this process no longer works properly.
Christine explains that there are two main types of diabetes most people are familiar with.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. As a result, the body can no longer produce insulin and individuals must take insulin therapy for life.
Although it has often been associated with children, Type 1 diabetes can actually be diagnosed at any age.
Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for around 90% of cases, occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. It often develops gradually and may go undiagnosed for years.
Recognising the Warning Signs
One of the key awareness campaigns run by Diabetes Ireland highlights the early symptoms of Type 1 diabetes through the “TEST” campaign:
▪️ T — Thirst: intense and persistent thirst
▪️ E — Energy reduced: extreme fatigue and lack of energy
▪️ S — Sudden weight loss
▪️ T — Toilet: frequent urination, particularly at night
These symptoms can develop quickly, often over just a few weeks. If they appear, a simple finger-prick blood test at a GP can help determine whether diabetes may be present.
Type 2 diabetes, however, can develop much more slowly. Many people may live with the condition for up to 12 years before diagnosis, often without recognising the symptoms.
Who Is at Risk?
While Type 1 diabetes cannot currently be prevented, several factors can increase the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes.
These include:
▪️ Being over the age of 40
▪️ Having a family history of diabetes
▪️ Being physically inactive
▪️ Carrying excess weight, particularly around the abdomen
▪️ Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol
▪️ Having experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy
Christine advises that anyone over 40 who has at least one risk factor should consider annual blood testing with their GP.
Pre-Diabetes: An Important Warning
A condition known as pre-diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are elevated but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes.
This stage can provide an opportunity for lifestyle changes — such as improving diet or increasing physical activity — that may delay or prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes in Ireland
Although exact figures are difficult to confirm due to the absence of a national diabetes register, estimates suggest that around 300,000 people in Ireland are currently living with diabetes.
Approximately:
▪️ 270,000 people live with Type 2 diabetes
▪️ 30,000 people live with Type 1 diabetes
However, the true number may be significantly higher.
Advocates continue to push for the creation of a national diabetes register, which would allow health services to better plan resources, specialist care and support services.
Managing the Condition
Treatment and management depend on the type of diabetes.
For Type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy is essential and may be delivered through injections or insulin pump systems.
For Type 2 diabetes, management often involves a combination of:
▪️ Medication
▪️ Healthy eating
▪️ Regular physical activity
Christine emphasises that there is no special “diabetes diet.” Instead, the focus is on balanced nutrition — including whole grains, fruits and vegetables — while limiting highly processed foods and sugary treats.
Physical activity also plays a crucial role in managing blood glucose levels and overall health.
The Importance of Foot Care and Monitoring
People living with diabetes must also pay careful attention to foot health.
Diabetes can affect nerve endings in the feet — a condition known as neuropathy — which can reduce sensation and increase the risk of injury.
Regular foot checks with a podiatrist are therefore an important part of long-term diabetes care.
Diabetes Ireland provides specialist podiatry services, particularly for individuals whose diabetes may put them at higher risk.
Supporting Families and Mental Health
A diabetes diagnosis can be emotionally challenging — especially for families of children newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Christine highlights the importance of peer support and community connection.
Diabetes Ireland offers several mental health and support programmes, including:
▪️ CARE — for parents of children with Type 1 diabetes
▪️ DREAMS — for adults living with Type 1 diabetes
▪️ COPE — for people living with Type 2 diabetes
These programmes address issues such as diabetes distress, stigma and emotional wellbeing, recognising that managing a lifelong condition affects both physical and mental health.
Advocacy, Research and Community Support
Founded in 1967, Diabetes Ireland works to support individuals living with diabetes while advocating for better healthcare services and policies.
One of the organisation’s major achievements was helping secure access to the Long Term Illness Scheme, which provides essential diabetes medications free of charge for people living with the condition in Ireland.
The organisation also funds research in areas such as:
▪️ Continuous glucose monitoring
▪️ Diabetes and mental health
▪️ Improved care for women with diabetes during pregnancy
Alongside these efforts, Diabetes Ireland relies heavily on fundraising and community support to sustain its services.
Building a Supportive Community
Despite the large number of people living with diabetes in Ireland, only a small proportion are currently members of Diabetes Ireland.
Christine encourages individuals and families affected by diabetes to connect with the organisation and access the resources available.
“Diabetes can feel overwhelming at first,” she says, “but there is a strong community and a lot of support available.”
How to Learn More
🌐 Website: www.diabetes.ie
📞 Helpline: 01 842 8118
Read more: More Than Blood Sugar: The Emotional and Other Sides of Living with Diabetes
This interview aired on Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
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