Thriveabetes 2026: The Biggest Yet!
Every single time, we are overwhelmed with the feedback we receive about Thriveabetes and this year was no different. On Saturday, April 18th, over 200 people from across Ireland came together in Dublin for Thriveabetes 2026, a volunteer-led conference created by and for people living with Type 1 diabetes. It was a day of shared understanding, practical learning, and powerful connection.
Photo Credit Shannon Irvine Instagram: @shannons_photography13 and Facebook: Shannon’s Photography
A Truly National Community
This year’s event welcomed attendees from 26 of the 32 counties in Ireland, with the largest groups travelling from Dublin, Galway, Cork, Louth and Meath.
The room reflected a large spectrum of the diabetes community with:
Adults living with type 1 diabetes formed the largest group
Parents of children with type 1 diabetes made up a strong second cohort
Young adults aged 16 to 25 years
Partners, friends, and healthcare professionals were also well represented
We circulated a post event feedback survey after the event and the following paragraphs are what people shared with us.
Practical Learning
One of the strongest themes from attendee feedback was how practical and immediately useful the day was. And those takeaways were deeply personal:
“I’m learning not to overcomplicate my treatment… go back to basics and stress less.”
“Set reminders to pre-bolus.”
“Exploring new technology or pump options.”
“Prepare better for travel.”
“Encourage my child (or parent) to explore pump options.”
“Stop relying on inaccurate carb-counting tools.”
Just as importantly, attendees described a shift in mindset: “Know that not every day is the same and it’s nothing wrong we are doing.”
The Power of Being in the Room
Perhaps the most powerful takeaway wasn’t clinical. It was that almost every respondent shared that being in a room with others who truly understand diabetes had a positive impact. It was described as:
“Like finding your tribe”
“A group hug of fellow Type 1 diabetics”
“An incredible opportunity to feel accepted and understood”
For many, it was the first time they didn’t have to explain themselves.
Standout Moments
Thriveabetes Speaker Pete Davies
While the programme offered a wide range of sessions, a few key themes stood out:
The keynote session from Pete Davies on living almost 70 years with Type 1 diabetes left a lasting impression, with many attendees describing it as emotional, reassuring and deeply motivating. For many, seeing someone thriving decades after diagnosis changed what they believed was possible. Indeed, Pete received a standing ovation for this presentation – a first for Thriveabetes!
The Sessions on insulin pumps and AI sparked strong interest, both for their practical insights and for helping people make informed decisions about their care.
Talks grounded in lived experience resonated most strongly, reinforcing the value of peer learning and shared stories.
Attendees valued honest conversations about:
The limits of AI in carb counting
Real-world experiences with pump systems
The pros, cons, and frustrations of current technology
Describe the Thriveabetes Conference in one sentence
We asked our attendees, how would you describe Thriveabetes to someone who hasn’t attended in one sentence, and these were some of the amazing responses:
“Welcoming, supportive and positive event where everyone can relate to everyone else in relation to type 1 diabetes. It always gives me a lift.”
“A mine of information covering so many angles, you come away feeling very informed, confident & ready to face what’s ahead.”
“Down to earth actual real-life diabetics, supporting each other ❤️ “
“Great place to meet other people with Diabetes”
“Uplifting and empowering event, felt like I had meet "my people"
“Community coming together, enabling, empowering and inspiring each other.”
“Brilliant supportive atmosphere with great positive practical advice of how-to life fully with type 1 diabetes.”
“Even when my jar feels full, Thriveabetes adds fine sand—settling into the unseen spaces, strengthening how I manage my Type 1 Diabetes and gently filling the quiet loneliness of living with it in my own body.”
“Great to meet others who understand the struggle and can give tips and encouragement for the future.”
“Incredible opportunity to instantly feel accepted and understood in a room of people and inspired to know that type one doesn't stop us from doing anything we want.”
Photo Credit Shannon Irvine Instagram: @shannons_photography13 and Facebook: Shannon’s Photography
Thank you!
The Thriveabetes Team would like to express their deep thanks to our fantastic speakers who gave up time with their families to be with us for the weekend:
Aisling White
Audrey O'Neill
Alistair Lumb
Catherine Showler
Cathy Breen
Cormac Gollogly
The Diabetic Duo: Beth & Ellen
Dr Ahmed Iqbal
Jean Langford
Paula Short
Pete Davies
Theo Short
Tim Street
Thank You to our Sponsors
Our exhibitors and sponsors who financial contributions really do make Thriveabetes possible.In particular we thank our Gold Sponsors: Abbott, Air Liquide, Dexcom, Minimed Medtronic, MyLife Diabetes Care and Roche. Thriveabetes was also supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk.
This programme is being supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk.
Thank you to our community partners, Diabetes Ireland, Diabetes UK Northern Ireland, HSE Dafne Educators Network and the International Diabetes Federation Europe for helping us spread the word about this event.
Our additional “on the day” volunteers, most of whom are roped into the event because they are related to one of the organising team. Thank you so much to Paula, Theo, Phil, Steph and Lauren.
And finally, Thank our Attendees!
Thank you so much to everyone who attended on April 18, and for taking a day out of your life to be with us and making this day as special as it has been.
Please enjoy our fabulous photos from the event provided by Shannon Irvine Find and tag Shannon on Instagram: @shannons_photography13 and Facebook: Shannon’s Photography
