As more and more people are being diagnosed with diabetes, HSE services are being simply overwhelmed and are struggling to cope with the number of patients seeking diabetes treatment. Meanwhile, people with diabetes have to manage their condition on a day to day basis. Without proper education and understanding of the condition, this is not easy.

Diabetes is a 24/7 condition and left unmanaged or poorly controlled can have a detrimental effect on a person’s quality of life. Uncontrolled or poorly managed diabetes is the primary cause of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and amputation, most of which can be avoided with effective self-management and treatment.

Diabetes Ireland is holding a Type 2 diabetes education meeting in The Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh on Wednesday 12th November 2014 from 7pm to 9pm. The meeting aims to discuss the importance of good daily self-management and provide tips and suggestions to help patients manage their condition more effectively. The meeting which is funded via a HSE National Lottery Grant Scheme 2014, is specifically for adults with Type 2 diabetes.

Speakers on the night include Eileen McGrath, Clinical Nurse Specialist for Diabetes, Nenagh who will discuss best practices in self-management of Type 2 diabetes and Clodagh Armitage, Health Promotion Officer HSE Midland Area who will speak about the current physical activity recommendations and provide some simple ways to increase daily physical activity. Additionally, Pauline Dunne, Senior Dietitian with Diabetes Ireland will be presenting on practical approaches to weight management in Type 2 diabetes.

Ms Pauline Dunne, Diabetes Ireland, said “most diabetes patients are very good at taking their prescribed medications but many don’t appreciate the importance of healthy eating and regular exercise as part of their overall management of diabetes. I know it’s hard but the reality is that people with Type 2 diabetes need to look after themselves every day”.

All are welcome, admission is free, and there is something for everyone on the evening. Ms Dunne continued, “good self-management on a daily basis will enhance quality of life. Therefore, I would urge people with Type 2 diabetes and their partners to come along to this meeting and hear from the experts.