News - Diabetes UK Northern Ireland

If you have a story to tell or are organising an event, please email the Northern Ireland team at n.ireland@diabetes.org.uk.

Raising awareness of diabetes is a key part of our work and getting our voice heard across Northern Ireland so we are always looking for media case studies. If you would like to be a media volunteer then please get in touch at n.ireland@diabetes.org.uk.

Portavogie New Year’s Day Dippers raise money for Diabetes UK

07 February 2020

Portavogie beach celebrated the New Year in style, welcoming 125 swimmers to take to the sea and dip for Diabetes UK and the RNLI.

Angela Ledlie organised this challenge as her son, Carter, has been living with type 1 diabetes for 10 years and they wanted to support their local charity.

Nominations open for Inspire Awards in Northern Ireland

05 February 2020

Diabetes UK Northern Ireland is excited to announce the launch of the 2020 Inspire Awards. The awards celebrate the many ways people from right across Northern Ireland go above and beyond to help the local diabetes community.

The Inspire Awards recognise the passion and determination of all the volunteers, who help raise awareness, fundraise

Diabetes UK is looking for healthcare professionals for innovative programme in Northern Ireland

16 January 2020

Diabetes UK is looking for healthcare professionals from Northern Ireland to lead improvements in diabetes care. The charity is searching for healthcare professionals with a special interest in diabetes to take part in its Clinical Champions programme.

The award-winning initiative launched in 2014, in partnership with Novo Nordisk, to address the significant variation in patient care and treatment for people living with diabetes in the UK.

Christmas draw at The Mellon Country Inn

18 December 2019

The Mellon Inn, Omagh, has released details for their Christmas event taking place on Saturday 28 December, which is being held in aid of Diabetes UK Northern Ireland.

The extravaganza will include entertainment from ‘White Lightning’ and an impressive range of raffle prizes including; a £50 restaurant voucher and 4 ball at Concrawood Castleblaney, Afternoon Tea For Two at Corick House, Four Seasons Hotel

Your Feet Your Care – World Diabetes Day

14 November 2019

To mark World Diabetes Day that was on 14 November 2019, the Diabetes Network for Northern Ireland has launched a new Foot Care Pathway to improve services for adults living with diabetes.

There are currently almost 100,000 people living with diabetes across the region who are at increased risk of developing diabetic complications including foot problems.

People with diabetes are more likely to be admitted to hospital with a foot ulcer than with any other complication of diabetes.

People with diabetes should get free flu jab

31 October 2019

We are urging everyone with diabetes to take up the offer of a free a flu jab through their local pharmacy or GP.

Flu can cause blood sugar levels to rise high – a natural response to fighting infection. But a serious infection can cause blood sugar levels to rise so high that they become dangerous for people with diabetes.

Donkey Derby and Vintage Gathering raises £80,000 over 15 years for local diabetes charity

15 October 2019

The Donkey Derby and Vintage Gathering, in aid of Diabetes UK Northern Ireland, recently took place at Parkgate, Templepatrick. Over 1,000 attendees enjoyed the many family fun activities provided.

This year’s event raised £5,380 bringing organisers, the Irvine family’s 15 year total to a staggering £80,000 raised for the charity.

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications.

Donkey Derby and Vintage Gathering helping diabetes community

12 September 2019

The Donkey Derby and Vintage Gathering in aid of Diabetes UK Northern Ireland is taking place at Parkgate, Templepatrick, on Saturday 14 September from 12.30pm.

This year the crowds can enjoy vintage tractors on display, lots of activities for children including face painting and wheelbarrow races, and there will be live music from Philip Strange.

The Irvine family knows all about diabetes and the impact it can have and have used the Donkey Derby to raise awareness and funds to help other families affected by the condition.

Local pharmacist chosen as diabetes champion for Northern Ireland

18 July 2019

A Senior Clinical Pharmacist from Northern Ireland has been selected as a Diabetes UK Clinical Champion, to help transform care for people living with diabetes.

Rosemary Donnelly, a Senior Clinical Pharmacist in the South Eastern Trust was chosen for her passion and commitment for excellence in diabetes care.

Larne Country Music Night for local charity

18 June 2019

A father and daughter from Carnlough will put on a show to raise funds for Diabetes UK Northern Ireland at the McNeill Theatre, Larne on 27th June.

In 2017, Maeve McSparron, 24, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes − a serious, lifelong condition where blood glucose levels in the body are too high because t