On May 23rd, 2025, the Croke Park Conference Centre hosted a landmark event – the first-ever conference in Ireland dedicated to showcasing the transformative impact of technology and research on diabetes care. This groundbreaking meeting was co-organised by the Diabetes Technology Network Ireland (DTN IRL) and the Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network (DC-CTN), with vital support from Diabetes Ireland.
DTN IRL, established in 2024 by Drs Hannah Forde and Tomas Griffin, aims to enhance awareness and provide education to healthcare professionals and people living with diabetes about the benefits of emerging diabetes technologies. Meanwhile, DC-CTN, led by Professors Fidelma Dunne and Seamus Sreenan, is a Health Research Board-funded initiative focused on boosting research collaboration and increasing Ireland’s output in diabetes-related clinical trials and innovation.
The event welcomed over 200 healthcare professionals and researchers, officially opened by Professor Fidelma Dunne, Chair of DC-CTN and a globally respected leader in diabetes research. She introduced the keynote speaker, Professor Chantal Mathieu, whose thought-provoking lecture, Care and Cure for Type 1 Diabetes, provided valuable insights into diabetes staging, early screening, beta-cell preservation, and global initiatives striving to cure type 1 diabetes. Following the keynote, the conference split into two focused streams – Technology and Research.
Technology Stream Highlights
Curated by DTN IRL leads Dr Forde and Dr Griffin, the technology stream featured expert talks on:
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in type 2 diabetes
- Hybrid Closed Loop (HCL) systems across the diabetes life span
- Complex case studies involving HCL use
Hands-on workshops tackled critical issues, including:
- HCL management in pregnancy
- Setting up insulin pump clinics in resource-limited hospitals
- Navigating travel with diabetes technology
Presentations from both national (Dr Patrick Divilly, Dr Hannah Forde, Ms Marion O’Donavan, Sharon Levis, Aine Cunningham) and international experts (Professor Klemen Dovc, Ms Cathy Jones) were praised for their clarity and practical relevance.
Research Stream Highlights
In the DC-CTN-led research track, international thought leaders shared cutting-edge work:
- Professor Claire Meek discussed gestational weight management in women with gestational diabetes
- Professor Beverley Shields explored the role of precision medicine in type 2 diabetes
Afternoon sessions included a cost-effectiveness analysis of CGM in Irish adults with type 1 diabetes, presented by health economist Dr Gintare Valentelyte. Integrated Care Consultants Dr Aisling O’Connor (Galway), Dr Colin Davenport (Dublin 15), and Ihtisham Malik (Kilkenny) showcased compelling research from their Chronic Disease Management community programmes.
Technology & Research “Speed Dating”
A unique networking session brought participants into small-group discussions with exhibitors, diabetes technology companies and DCCTN representatives, encouraging rich interactive dialogue on new tools, trials, and treatment approaches.
As the day concluded, attendees left energised and inspired, equipped with new knowledge and ideas to bring back to their clinical and academic environments.
Professor Fidelma Dunne reflected on the event’s impact:
“It was fantastic to see so many healthcare professionals and researchers learning from the best in their fields. This conference was a true celebration of progress in diabetes care through research, innovation, and life-changing technology. We hope to welcome even more colleagues next year.”
She extended thanks on behalf of DCCTN and DTN IRL, acknowledging the dedication of Diabetes Ireland staff and the many speakers, exhibitors, and participants who made the conference possible.