Free Waterford event to highlight latest advances in Diabetes Technology

People living with diabetes in Waterford are being invited to attend a free information event aimed at showcasing the latest advances in diabetes technology and explaining how these innovations can improve daily life and long-term health outcomes. 

The event is being organised by the Diabetes Team at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) in partnership with Diabetes Technology Network Ireland (DTN Ireland) and Diabetes Ireland. 

It will take place at the Tower Hotel, Waterford, on Tuesday, September 16, beginning at 6.15 pm. 

The meeting is designed for people living with Type 1 diabetes, as well as their families and carers, who want to learn more about the technologies currently available in Ireland. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear about a range of devices, including insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems and the latest hybrid closed-loop technologies, which can help people manage their diabetes more effectively. 

Organisers say the event will also provide practical information on how patients in the South East can access these technologies through services at University Hospital Waterford. 

As diabetes technology continues to evolve rapidly, healthcare professionals believe it is increasingly important for people with diabetes to stay informed about the treatment options available to them. 

Dr Tomás Griffin, Consultant Physician at Galway University Hospital, who will speak at the event, said diabetes technology has the potential to transform lives. 

“Diabetes technologies can transform lives, but the right technology is different for each person,” he said.

“At DTN Ireland, we aim to empower people living with diabetes to make informed choices, in partnership with their diabetes care team, about the technology that best meets their clinical needs, preferences and everyday lives."

Dr Griffin said DTN Ireland is pleased to collaborate with the diabetes team at University Hospital Waterford and bring together diabetes technology companies for its "Check the Tech" exhibition, allowing attendees to see, explore and compare the technologies available. 

University Hospital Waterford Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Tríona O'Shea said the local team is looking forward to hosting the event. 

“Access to technology has improved significantly in Waterford in recent years, and we are delighted to share how people with diabetes can benefit from these developments," she said. 

 Dr O'Shea said members of the paediatric diabetes team,  Cáit Kennedy and Marie Quinn, will deliver a presentation on travelling with diabetes and using diabetes technology. 

Attendees will also hear a patient perspective interview, conducted by Moby Peter, highlighting how technology has positively impacted day-to-day life. 

 “I hope to see as many people from Waterford and the surrounding region as possible attend on the night,” Dr O'Shea added.

The Waterford meeting is the sixth in a national series organised by DTN Ireland, following successful events in Galway, Cork, Dublin, Letterkenny and Tralee. 

Organisers are encouraging anyone living with Type 1 diabetes, parents and carers of children with diabetes, and people with Type 2 diabetes who would like to learn more about modern diabetes technologies to attend. 

Admission is free, and all interested members of the public are welcome.