Our Story

Thriveabetes began to bring people impacted by type 1 diabetes together, creating a space for shared experiences, support, and inspiration. In 2014, our founders—Rebecca Brannon, Gráinne Flynn, and Christine Meehan—came together over a kitchen table in Ennis to brainstorm the concept of a diabetes-focused conference. They aimed to address the unique psychological challenges of living with type 1 diabetes and to build a supportive, connected community. This meeting sparked Thriveabetes, an initiative that has since grown into a robust network for people with diabetes dedicated to fostering resilience and well-being.

Meet Our Founders

Gráinne Flynn

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 20, Gráinne faced an overwhelming journey of managing her condition with limited information. Determined to improve her understanding and to connect with others, she began volunteering with Diabetes Ireland in 2007, launching the Clare Diabetes Support Group and sharing her journey through her blog, BloodSugarTrampoline.com. Gráinne’s contributions to diabetes advocacy, including redesigning the Diabetes Ireland logo and developing a type 1 diabetes guide, earned her Volunteer of the Year in 2012.

Christine Meehan

Christine, diagnosed at 34, found her entry into the world of diabetes management isolating. With limited guidance, she sought out resources and connected with Diabetes Ireland, finding immense value in the organization’s workshops and support networks. Now an experienced community worker and volunteer, Christine’s journey emphasizes the importance of community and continued education for managing diabetes. Her contributions have spanned several health and social services, strengthening her commitment to fostering a supportive environment for people with diabetes.

Rebecca Brannon

Originally from America, but has lived in Co. Clare for many years. Rebecca has 3 daughters, the eldest of which was diagnosed when she was 8. Rebecca’s father also has type 1 diabetes (since the age of 13). She has been fundraising for Diabetes Ireland by participating in Run-a-Muck, the LA Marathon, and several Clare 10K runs. Rebecca retired from Thriveabetes in 2017.

Our founders were soon joined by dedicated volunteer organizers—including Ken Barclay, Eoghan Cregan, Laura Cooke, Audrey O’Neill, Philip Short, Catherine Showler, and Aisling White—all sharing a commitment to creating a diabetes community that provides strength, resilience, and understanding. Find out more about the team here.

Why Thriveabetes?

For many people living with diabetes, interactions with healthcare providers are limited to just a few clinic visits each year. However, daily life with diabetes involves constant self-management, making over one hundred and eighty decisions about their diabetes every day.

The Irish diabetes online community (#IREDOC) emerged in 2011, offering a new way for people to share knowledge and support one another. Thriveabetes was created to take these online connections offline, filling a need for in-person community building and discussions focused on the real-life experiences of living with diabetes. Unlike other diabetes conferences, which focus on the medical management of the condition, Thriveabetes emphasizes the psychological and social aspects of diabetes.

Through in-person conferences, a support website, and active social media channels, Thriveabetes has inspired the formation of local support groups across Ireland, helping people find the resources and encouragement they need to thrive.

Our Mission

Thriveabetes exists to build a strong, supportive diabetes community through shared experiences and peer support, which has been shown to improve health outcomes. Our goal is not only to inspire but also to motivate and inform.

  • Inspiration: By sharing personal stories from people with type 1 diabetes, Thriveabetes empowers individuals and families to see that diabetes does not limit life’s potential.

  • Motivation: The Thriveabetes community motivates people to maintain positive diabetes management habits through personal connections and shared experiences.

  • Information: We keep our community informed about the latest in diabetes care, research, and technology, bridging the gaps left by traditional healthcare channels.

Through Thriveabetes, attendees experience a renewed sense of camaraderie, leaving each event inspired and equipped to tackle the challenges of life with diabetes. Our biennial conference has catalysed the formation of local support networks throughout Ireland, empowering people with diabetes to connect and support one another in their communities.

Thriveabetes continues to grow, offering support and hope to the diabetes community in Ireland and beyond. Join us and become part of a movement that transforms living with diabetes into thriving with diabetes.