Dr. Ray O’Connor, GP – Type 1 Diabetes & Heart Disease

The Clare Diabetes Support group have organised a Diabetes Information Meeting titled “Type 1 Diabetes & Heart Disease” in the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare on Tuesday, 21st February at 8pm.

People with type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of heart failure, according to a Swedish study published online September 18 2015 in medical publication; Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. Type 1 diabetes puts patients at  risk for heart disease.

Grainne Flynn, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 23 years and organiser of the Clare Diabetes Support groups, says “Heart disease in people with type 1 diabetes doesn’t present with symptoms like it does in people who do not have diabetes. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything you can do to prevent it! This meeting is about learning what we need to know to make sure that heart disease doesn’t catch us out and it’s also an opportunity to meet other people with diabetes.”

Our guest speaker, Dr Ray O’Connor, recently retired from general practice, was a community doctor in Limerick since 1990. He commenced his role as adjunct senior clinical lecturer at the Graduate Entry Medical School, at UL, where he will teach GEMS undergraduates and students at the school of paramedics. He also has served as the Chairperson of the Midwestern Diabetes Services Implementation Groups (DSIG) for almost 10 years. He will discuss what people with type 1 diabetes should be aware of to prevent heart disease.

The meeting is free to attend and is for people who live with type 1 diabetes (adults with type 1 and parents of children with type 1), but it is open to members of the public who wish to learn more about diabetes.

The Clare branch of Diabetes Ireland also runs diabetes support groups for all people with diabetes and their families. If you would like more information about these meetings contact Gráinne on mobile number 087 641 5747 or email [email protected]