Around 70 people gathered in Letterkenny on Thursday, 25th September 2025, for a Type 1 Diabetes Technology & Research Discovery Meeting, organised by Diabetes Technology Network Ireland (DTN IRL) in collaboration with Diabetes Ireland.
The event, held at the Mount Errigal Hotel, brought together people living with type 1 diabetes, their families, carers, and healthcare professionals for an evening of information-sharing, inspiration, and community connection.
The evening opened with Dr Tomas Griffin, Consultant Diabetologist, University of Galway and Roscommon University Hospitals, who provided an in-depth overview of current and emerging diabetes technologies. His presentation explored continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), smart insulin pens, insulin pumps, and hybrid closed-loop systems, highlighting both clinical benefits and practical challenges.
Ms Avril McCloskey, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH), provided an update on diabetes care developments and recent staffing additions in Donegal. For many years, diabetes services in LUH were severely under-resourced. However, following sustained advocacy by the Diabetes Ireland Donegal Branch and strong support from hospital management and Saolta and local politicians, new posts for consultant endocrinologists and advanced nurse practitioners have now been created and filled. Importantly, for the first time, LUH will be able to offer insulin pump starts for children with diabetes, and a new diabetes technology service is being planned for adults with Type 1 diabetes.
Closing the speaker session, Dr Kate Gajewska, clinical researcher and diabetes advocate, shared her personal story of living with type 1 diabetes for 38 years. She reflected on the transformative role of technology and its benefits from life without a blood glucose meter to today’s hybrid closed-loop systems and emphasised both the importance of research and the need for equitable access to diabetes technologies for all.
Technology Showcase and Community Connection
The meeting, supported by a grant from the Ireland Funds, also featured a technology exhibition, where attendees were able to explore the latest devices available in Ireland. Representatives from Abbott, Dexcom, Medtronic, and Air Liquide Healthcare demonstrated products and answered many questions on the night. Beyond the presentations and exhibition, the evening offered valuable opportunities for attendees to engage directly with healthcare professionals, meet others living with type 1 diabetes in Donegal, and connect with the local Diabetes Ireland Branch and community.
What’s Next?
The next Type 1 Diabetes Technology & Research Discovery Meeting will take place in Dublin on Tuesday, 11th November 2025. Whether newly diagnosed or living with type 1 diabetes for decades, these meetings provide a vital chance to stay informed, empowered, and connected. For updates, visit www.diabetes.ie and sign up for the Diabetes Ireland newsletter.