Welcome to the first Thriveabetes video interview of 2021 with Emma O’Toole and Niamh Downes from the Dublin Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Group which celebrated 10 years of existence in February 2021.

Niamh was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2008 at age 28 years and created the “Diabetes in Ireland” closed Facebook group in November 2008, thus launching the Irish Diabetes Online Community #IREDOC.

Emma was diagnosed in 1988 at age 7 years and met Niamh though the Facebook group which then prompted them to set up the Dublin Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Group. Their first meeting took place in February 2011.

A DECADE OF SUPPORT

In the interview we talk about both of their diagnosis and the circumstances that lead to the setting up of the Facebook group and then the face-to-face support group. We also talk about the power of being in a room full of people with diabetes and some of the memorable moments from the last 10 years.

DUBLIN ADULTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES GROUP

The group is meeting virtually via zoom during the Covid pandemic but hopes to resume face to face meetings at the end of 2021. CONTACT: If you would like the link to meetings email t1diabetic.dublin@gmail.com. They also have a facebook group where you can leave messages.

We had such a great time chatting for this interview that it was over 40 minutes long, during which my doorbell rang, so I decided to divide it into two parts.

Enjoy!

2020 Interview Playlist

Featuring all of these people with diabetes:

• George Clancy; former International rugby referee

• Aoife Gordon; The Sugar Fairy

• Kate Gajewska; Diabetes Educator, Psychologist and researcher

• Abbie O’Sullivan; Student

• Cayden & Pam Kavanagh; then age 11 and his mum.

Click here for playlist