"Peer-to-peer support fosters resilience and confidence. It turns our shared vulnerability into empowerment and we can gain strength from the place we normally feel weak."
— Kim Vlasnik, "Texting My Pancreas"
We have a resource at our fingertips (literally) that is HUGELY valuable; each other. Peer support is where I have learned the most about living well with type 1 diabetes and how to advocate for myself as a person with diabetes. And thanks to the rapid pace of social media, this has never been easier to find more people with diabetes.
I have been keeping a list of the support groups that I’m aware of, BUT if you attend a diabetes support group that I do not have on this list, please send me an email at info@Thriveabetes.ie with who I should contact to get details of that group, and I will include them also.
Diabetes Support Groups in Ireland
This is a list of all the diabetes support groups in Ireland, in person and online, that Thriveabetes is aware of. All groups, unless otherwise stated, are private and closed groups, meaning only those who join the groups see the posts.
The list below is divided into Groups for:
Parents/families of children with type 1 diabetes,
National groups and
Specific Interest groups such as Pregnancy, exercise, eating disorders, etc
Adults Living with Type 1 Diabetes |
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Group Location |
Details |
Contact Information |
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National: Diabetes in Ireland Facebook Group |
This is a private Facebook group for people with
diabetes living in Ireland of all types to connect with each other. This Group is here to offer support to those
affected by Diabetes; to give members the opportunity to gain and share
knowledge of skills, treatment pathways and tools that have proven useful to
others; to give members comfort that they are not alone; and to provide all
members with the opportunity to share their experiences, challenges and
concerns in a friendly and safe environment, where they are able to speak
freely with the knowledge that they will be respected. |
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Clare Adults with Type 1 in-person Support Group |
The Clare type 1 diabetes support group is for
Adults living with Type 1 and for Parents of Children with Type 1. Supported
by the Clare branch of Diabetes Ireland.
The group paused meetings during the pandemic but is planning to
restart in Oct 2024. |
Email: claresupport@diabetes.ie |
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Clare Type 1 Support Facebook group |
Private group for Adults and Parents of Children with
type 1 diabetes in Clare. |
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Cork Type 1 Adults |
This group is organised & run by the Southern
Regional office of Diabetes Ireland in Cork. Supported by the Cork Regional
Office of Diabetes Ireland. |
Contact Diabetes Ireland Cork Telephone: 021 4274229 Email sro@diabetes.ie |
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Cork Type 1 Young Adults |
This group is organised & run by the Southern
Regional office of Diabetes Ireland in Cork. This group is for young adults
aged between 18 and 23 years.
Supported by the Southern Regional Office of Diabetes Ireland. |
Contact Diabetes Ireland Cork Telephone: 021 4274229 Email sro@diabetes.ie |
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A brand new (since September 2023) support group for people living
with type 1, type 2 diabetes and their carers, who live in DONEGAL, IRELAND. This group does intend to arrange informal in person meets up if there
is enough interest. |
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Dublin Adults with Type 1 Support Group |
This group is meeting virtually via zoom the
first Wed of every month but also organise twice yearly social meetups. To
receive the zoom link to meetings email in advance. They also have a Facebook
Group. |
Contact: Email: t1diabetic.dublin@gmail.com |
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Galway Type 1 Diabetes Support for Adults |
This group no longer meets in person but their Facebook
group is still active. |
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Kerry Type 1 Diabetes Support Group |
This is a closed Facebook group for people living
with type 1 diabetes in Co. Kerry. |
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Laois Portlaoise Type 1 Adults Support |
A support group for Type 1 Diabetics based in and
around County Laois who meet usually on the last Monday of the month in
Portlaoise. |
Contact Laura WhatsApp: 086 0649017 |
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Limerick Type 1 Adults Group |
This groups is an informal meeting of adults with
type 1 diabetes to discuss living with diabetes specialising in the three
"C": Community, Cake & Coffee. This group meets every second
month in the "Off the Bone" restaurant at the South court Hotel in
Limerick city and every other month online. |
Contact Email: diabeteslimerick@gmail.com |
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Louth type 1 diabetes (New in 2021) |
New group formed in June 2021. Organises
in-person meet ups regularly. |
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Mayo Type 1 Diabetes Support |
This is a support group of new and experienced
Type 1 diabetics (some DAFNE trained) in the Mayo area. The group does not
offer specific medical advice but does offer support to each other with our
own experiences, ideas, etc. |
Contact Seamus WhatsApp: 0879221131 Email: type1mayo@gmail.com |
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Tipperary Nenagh (Public Page) |
Type 1 - Insulin Dependant Diabetic Support Group
in Nenagh Co. Tipperary. This is a group for those with a diagnosis of Type 1
Diabetes (insulin dependent) and their friends & family. It is very
informal and we welcome new faces to every meeting. |
Contact Emma on 086-3195081 or Jenny on 083-8005652. |
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Waterford Diabetes Support (Public Page) |
Community Facebook page for people with diabetes
attending University Hospital Waterford |
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Wexford |
This group was in the early stages of setting up
when the Coronavirus put a pause on it. However, they are staying in touch
via WhatsApp and through their Facebook Group. |
Contact Nicola O'Hanlon Tel or WhatsApp: 086 7753148 Email diabeteswex@gmail.com. |
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Adults Living with Type 2 Diabetes |
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Group Location |
Details |
Contact Information |
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National: Diabetes in Ireland Facebook Group |
This is a private Facebook group for people with
diabetes living in Ireland of all types to connect with each other. This Group is here to offer support to those
affected by Diabetes; to give members the opportunity to gain and share
knowledge of skills, treatment pathways and tools that have proven useful to
others; to give members comfort that they are not alone; and to provide all
members with the opportunity to share their experiences, challenges and
concerns in a friendly and safe environment, where they are able to speak
freely with the knowledge that they will be respected. |
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National: Irish Type 2 Diabetes Support |
This is a private Facebook group where people can
ask questions to find more information from people with type 2 diabetes on
living well with type 2. |
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Clare Type 2 Support Group |
The Clare Type 2 support group for adults meet at
8pm on the third Wednesday in January, March, May, Sept, & Nov in The
Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare. Supported by the Clare branch of
Diabetes Ireland. The group paused meetings during the pandemic but is
planning to restart in Oct 2024. |
Email: claresupport@diabetes.ie |
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Cork Type 2 Diabetes Support |
This group is organised & run by the Southern
Regional office of Diabetes Ireland in Cork. |
Contact Diabetes Ireland Cork Telephone: 021 4274229 Email sro@diabetes.ie |
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Donegal |
A brand new (since September 2023) support group
for people living with type 1, type 2 diabetes and their carers, who live in
DONEGAL, IRELAND. This group does intend to arrange informal in
person meets up if there is enough interest.
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Kerry Type 2 Diabetes Group |
The Kerry Diabetes Group are based in Killarney
and hold meetings with health professionals as speakers. |
Contact Catherine email: kerrydiabetics@gmail.com |
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Parents and Children with Type 1 Diabetes |
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Group Location |
Details |
Contact Information |
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National: Parents of Children & Teens with
Type 1 Diabetes in Ireland |
This national and private Facebook group is
specifically for parents of children and teenagers with type 1 diabetes to connect
and share information with each other from all over the country. |
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National: Children with both Coeliac disease
& Type 1 Diabetes in Ireland |
To provide practical and emotional support and an
open and non judgemental platform for discussions and chat to parents of
children with a diagnosis of more than one of these autoimmune diseases. |
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National: Sweetpea Kids Club |
The Sweetpea Kidz Club
events such as Christmas parties, summer picnics, panto trips, etc. is
organised by Diabetes Ireland. |
Contact Email info@diabetes.ie Telephone: LoCall 1850
909 909 |
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Carlow & Kilkenny |
This is a support group for parents/carers of
children and teens with Type 1 Diabetes. |
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Clare/Limerick Parents of Type1's |
Facebook group for Parents of children with Type 1
diabetes in the Clare / Limerick area. No longer arranging meet ups but still
active online. |
Contact Email: parentstype1clarelimerick@hotmail.com |
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Cork Parents Support Group |
This group is organised & run by the Cork
Regional office of Diabetes Ireland. They organise regular meetings for
parents and events for children. |
Contact Diabetes Ireland Cork Telephone: 021 4274229 Email sro@diabetes.ie |
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Cork Time to Talk Teens groups |
This group is organised & run by the Cork
Regional office of Diabetes Ireland. |
Contact Diabetes Ireland Cork Telephone: 021 4274229 Email sro@diabetes.ie |
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Cork Type 1 Diabetes Parents Alliance, Cork
University Hospital (Advocacy Group) |
This group is made up of parents with a
child/children currently attending the paediatric diabetes clinic at CUH.
Their mission is to ensure that every child with Type 1 Diabetes in the
region has access to the highest standards of clinical care and research at
Cork University Hospital. |
Contact: Stephen O'Callaghan Email: Stephen@t1d.ie
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Derry Type One Club (Public Page) |
The T1 Club Children s Diabetes Group is Northern
Ireland s first Independent Children s Diabetes Group, set up by parents and
based in Derry. They arrange monthly meet-ups and activities in school
holidays. |
Website: www.t1club.co.uk Link to Facebook Page: @TypeOneClub Link to Twitter: @TheT1Club |
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Donegal Parents Support Group |
This group meets every couple of months, plus
they organise a children's Christmas party and an annual family weekend. Some
of these events are organised by the Donegal branch of Diabetes Ireland |
Contact: Email: donegalparents.diabetessupport@gmail.com |
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Dublin Type 1 Parents (unsure if this group still meets in person) |
The Dublin Type 1 Parents group usually meet
every second month in Grumpy McClafferty's Bar, The Plaza Hotel, Tallaght at
8pm. They also have a Facebook group for communication. This group is
supported by Diabetes Ireland. |
Contact Jenny Tel: 086 818 4687 Email: jenny.dunbar@diabetes.ie |
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Galway Parents Group (unsure if this group still meets up) |
The Galway parents group meet in The Maldron Hotel, Oranmore (Carrowmoneash
roundabout) for a casual cuppa on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Updated
16/9/2021 |
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Kerry Type 1 Diabetes Support Group |
This is a closed Facebook group for people living
with type 1 diabetes in Co. Kerry. This group is intended as a networking and
support group for all Type 1 Diabetics in Kerry. Mums & Dads of Type 1 children
can learn a lot from Type 1 adolescents and we welcome all Type 1's to this
group to share their experiences and share in the support on offer. |
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Kildare Type 1 Parents' Support (unsure if this group still meets in person) |
This group meets on the first Monday of every
second month at Keadeen Hotel, Kildare at 8pm. |
Contact Trina Tel: 087 2288104 |
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Laois Portlaoise Type 1 Parents' Support (Renamed: Midlands Type 1 Diabetes Parents
Support Group) |
Parents of children with Type 1 Diabetes.
Affiliated to Diabetes Ireland. Support, fundraising, information in Laois
and surrounding areas. |
Contact Joe Tel: 0876758971 Email joebarry37@eircom.net Contact Jo McGrane Tel: 0876758971 Link to Facebook Page (public) |
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Limerick, Clare & Tipperary Parents &
Families Support Group (unsure if meetups have resumed) |
This group organises get-togethers for parents of
children with T1 diabetes around Tipperary/Limerick/Clare. Adults with Type 1
are also welcome. They meet 4 times in the year and just have a chat and a
cuppa so it s all very informal but a lot of parents find it very beneficial.
They also organise information talks and family events. This group is supported by Diabetes Ireland. |
Contact Dominic Email: limerickparentssupportgroup@diabetes.ie |
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Limerick: JT1D University Hospital Limerick
Parents Committee |
This group is for parents of children attending
the paediatric diabetes clinic in University Hospital Limerick and organise
event for children as well as fundraise for the paediatric diabetes clinic. Supported by the ULH Paediatric Diabetes team |
Contact Email: jt1d.uhlcommittee@gmail.com Link to Facebook Group: @JT1D.UHLCommittee |
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Louth; Drogheda |
This group is no longer active |
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Midlands Type 1 Diabetes Parents Support Group (Unsure if this group is still active) |
Parents of children with Type 1 Diabetes.
Affiliated to Diabetes Ireland. Support, fundraising, information in Laois
and surrounding areas. |
Link to Facebook Page (public) |
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Mayo Diabetes Parents Support (Unsure if this group is still active) |
This Facebook page doesn t seem to be active but
maybe the group still is. |
Contact Caroline Davy Tel: 086 1717230 Link to Facebook Page: |
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Mayo Type 1 diabetes: Parent support and meet ups |
This is a group for parents of children with Type
1 diabetes to share information and support and to organise meet ups in Co.
Mayo. |
Contact Link to Facebook Page: Co. Mayo Type 1
diabetes: Parent support and meet ups |
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Sligo/Leitrim Parents Support (Unsure if this group is still active) |
The group meets on the second Wednesday of every
month at 8pm. Exchange information and ideas, have a cuppa and a chat. Venue
may vary. This group is supported by the Western/Sligo Regional Office of Diabetes Ireland. |
Contact Tel: 086 3754856 Email: type1ParentsSligoLeitrim@gmail.com Or Diabetes Ireland Sligo office: 071 914 6001 |
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Waterford Parents Group |
The Waterford branch of Diabetes Ireland
organises events for both children and parents on a regular basis. |
Contact the Diabetes Clinic in
Waterford Hospital for more information |
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Westmeath Parents' Group |
Renamed the Midlands Parents group |
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Wexford Parents Support Group |
This parents support group is for patients of
Wexford General Hospital only. They organise children s events and activities
through the clinic. |
Contact Diabetes Clinic Wexford General Hospital
for more information |
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Type 1 teen outings (Unsure if this group is still active) |
Type 1 Teen Outings |
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Groups for All |
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Diabetes in Ireland Facebook Group |
This is a private Facebook group for people with
diabetes living in Ireland of all types to connect with each other. This Group is here to offer support to those
affected by Diabetes; to give members the opportunity to gain and share
knowledge of skills, treatment pathways and tools that have proven useful to
others; to give members comfort that they are not alone; and to provide all
members with the opportunity to share their experiences, challenges and
concerns in a friendly and safe environment, where they are able to speak
freely with the knowledge that they will be respected. |
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Diabetes Community Ireland Facebook Group |
This is a group, requested by People with
diabetes so they could talk freely, have a rant, share tips and tricks and to
support and help each other. Any member can post to here, and only members
can see it, please keep posts appropriate. This is in no way medical advice, we are not
experts just experienced. Please carefully read the support group rules to be
sure your clear on them. |
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Specific Interest groups
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Babysitters & Childminders Exchange and
Support |
Type1 Diabetes Babysitters in Ireland |
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Coeliac: Children with both Coeliac disease &
Type 1 Diabetes in Ireland |
To provide practical and emotional support and an
open and non judgemental platform for discussions and chat to parents of
children with a diagnosis of more than one of these autoimmune diseases. |
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CGM or Flash: Dexcom Ireland Users |
A closed group for people using the Dexcom CGMs
living in Ireland |
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CGM or Flash: Freestyle Libre Users Ireland |
A closed group for people using the Freestyle
Libre flash glucose monitors living in Ireland |
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Female Related: Conception, Pregnancy &
motherhood with Type 1 diabetes in Ireland |
Type1 diabetes, conception, pregnancy &
motherhood in Ireland |
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Cooking: Diabetic Foodies Ireland |
A closed chat group for people who love to cook
here |
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Eating disorders |
T1ED UK and Ireland is a Private Facebook peer
support group for anyone in the UK dealing with type 1 diabetes and eating
disorders |
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Exercise - Blood Tests, Sweat & Tears |
Blood Tests, Sweat & Tears is private
Facebook group to share information, questions and experiences regarding
exercising with Diabetes. Also a support group to provide encouragement and
motivation to others. |
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Exercise & Type 1 |
Irish Adults with Type 1 Diabetes - Exercise
Challenge Group |
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Female Related: Gestational Diabetes In Ireland |
Support Group for Gestational Diabetes In
Ireland |
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Female Related: Menopausal Mithers |
Peer support for those with diabetes going
through the menopause - all types of diabetes, all stages of menopause. |
Link to Twitter Page (public) WhatsApp: 087 1335947 |
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Female Related: Pregnancy - Type1 Supermoms -
Type 1 Diabetic Mothers in Ireland |
This Private Facebook group is for postpartum for
mums with type 1 diabetes in Ireland run by mothers with type 1 diabetes. |
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Insulin Pump: YpsoPump
Ireland |
Private group of people who are interested in
learning more about the YspoPump Insulin pump or are using the Ypsopump system and living in Ireland |
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Insulin Pumps Tandem Insulin Pump Ireland |
Private group of people who are interested in
learning more about the Tandem Insulin pump or are using the Tandem system
and living in Ireland |
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DIY: Looped Ireland |
For people using/interested in using Loop or DIY OpenAps in Ireland |
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DIY: Nightscout Ireland |
For people interested in CGM in the Cloud or the
#WeAreNotWaiting community |
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Team Sport: DiaEuro
Ireland Futsal Club (Public Page) |
DiaEuro Ireland Futsal Club competing in July 2019 and also have a twitter
account |
Contact Link to Facebook Page: @DiaEuroIreland Link to Twitter: @DiaEuroI |