Access to Diabetes Technology in Ireland is not straightforward, so, over the last couple of months, we have updated lots of diabetes information on our Thriveabetes website.
We hope this helps you to access diabetes technology and information about what services are available in your diabetes clinics.
Glucose Sensors
There are three different glucose sensors available in Ireland at the moment, all of which are also available through the Long Term Illness scheme.
There are two type of sensors: Continuous Glucose Sensors or CGM (Dexcom and Medtronic) and the Flash glucose sensor which is the Freestyle Libre. Find out more here:
It's important to know that getting a CGM does not mean that you have to get an insulin pump! In Ireland, there is only one insulin pump that combines a sensor.
Insulin Pumps
An insulin pump is a small device that delivers insulin through a tiny flexible cannula/plastic needle under your skin. It’s programmed to deliver insulin at different rates during the day (almost like a portable mini IV drip that they have in hospitals) with larger doses given by the wearer for meals. Each device comes with different features and different software packages that you will have to upload your information to before you attend your clinic and it is important to find one that works for you.
It is also worth remembering that an insulin pump does not work for everyone
Diabetes Education
Diabetes Education in Ireland has limited availability and usually involves long waiting lists. However, it is worth pursuing because diabetes education courses make living with diabetes easier. Whether you have Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, it can feel like there is a lot to learn and diabetes education provides a good foundation.
Find out if you have access to diabetes education such as DAFNE, BERGER, CHOICE, CODE or DESMOND in your area here.