Your annual review
The standard of care offered to you is depending on what type of diabetes you are living with, and whether you have a medical card or GP visit card.
Paediatric Type 1 Diabetes
Children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes receive annual reviews that focus on:
It is likely you will be seen 3 – 4 times a year by your hospital diabetes multidisciplinary team
Children with diabetes will be monitored for co-morbidities such as coeliac disease, thyroid dysfunction, and dyslipidaemia.
Diabetes management will be assessed by HbA1c blood test and time-in-range.
Planning for transition to adult services starts typically between ages 14 – 16 but in some clinics adolescents up to 18 or more are still seen in paediatric clinics.
These reviews are conducted by specialist paediatric diabetes team
Join Family Community Network Programme and get support on your diabetes journey for your child and your family
Type 1 Diabetes
Medical Management and Regular Check-Ups
Upon diagnosis, individuals are referred to a multidisciplinary diabetes care team, typically at a hospital diabetes clinic. In Ireland, Type 1 diabetes care is structured and comprehensive, encompassing medical management, education, psychological support, and access to advanced technologies. Regular check-ups are essential and include:
- HbA1c Testing: Monitors average blood glucose levels over the past 8–12 weeks.
- Kidney Function Tests: Blood and urine tests to assess kidney health.
- Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Monitoring: Regular checks to manage cardiovascular risk.
- Foot Examinations: Annual assessments by a nurse or podiatrist to detect any issues early.
- Retina Screening: Annual eye screening for individuals aged 12 and over through the Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme.
Structured Education and Support
Education is a cornerstone of effective diabetes management.
The Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating (DAFNE) course is a key offering:
- Course Content: Focuses on carbohydrate counting and insulin adjustment to facilitate flexible living.
- Format: Available both online and in-person, spanning five days or five weeks.
- Availability: Offered at over 20 diabetes centres across Ireland.
Psychological and Emotional Support
Managing Type 1 diabetes can be emotionally challenging. Support options include:
- Psychological Services: Access through GPs or the HSE’s Counselling in Primary Care service for those with a medical card.
- Online Resources: The Balancing Stress programme offers video-based guidance on managing stress, anxiety, and low mood. https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/self-help/balancing-stress/
- Peer Support: Engaging with communities like myT1Dteam can provide shared experiences and coping strategies. myt1dteam.com
- DREAMS Programme – Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing for People with Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes with Diabetes Ireland
- Join Our Type 1 Diabetes Community Network Programme and get support on your diabetes journey. If your child is diagnosed with diabetes – join our Family Programme!
Access to Technology
Ireland has made strides in integrating technology into diabetes care:
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): As of December 2023, the HSE reimburses CGM systems for all individuals with Type 1 diabetes, enhancing blood glucose management.
Insulin Pumps and Sensors – check more details here.
Type 2 Diabetes
Medical Management and Regular Check-Ups
In Ireland, the annual diabetes review is a structured process designed to monitor and manage diabetes effectively, aiming to prevent complications and improve quality of life. The approach varies slightly depending on the type of diabetes and the patient’s age. The service offered dependent on whether you have a medical card or a GP visit card.
What is the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDM)
For individuals aged 45 and older, or those diagnosed with gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia since January 1, 2023, the HSE offers the Annual Chronic Disease Management Prevention Programme. This programme includes:
- An annual review with a GP and practice nurse
- Review of medications and lifestyle factors
- Development of a personalised care plan
- Referrals to support services as needed
- Participation is free for those with a Medical or GP Visit Card.
- Two consultations per year: One comprehensive annual review and a second consultation approximately six months later.
Key assessments:
- HbA1c (blood glucose levels)
- Blood pressure
- Foot examination
- Eye screening through the Diabetic Retinal Screening programme
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Medication review
- Lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity, smoking)
- Emotional health and diabetes-related distress
These reviews are typically conducted by GPs and GP practice nurses. The programme is available at no cost for those with a Medical or GP Visit Card. Additionally, structured education programmes like DISCOVER DIABETES/ DESMOND (HSE) and Diabetes SMART or CODE (Diabetes Ireland) are available to support self-management.
If you do not have a medical card or GP visit card and are paying privately for a GP visit you will have all the above carried out but at your own cost.
In Ireland, the Enhanced Community Care (ECC) Programme is a transformative initiative aimed at providing integrated, patient-centred care for individuals with chronic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, asthma, COPD, and cardiovascular conditions.
This approach aligns with the Sláintecare vision of delivering the right care, at the right time, and in the right place—preferably in the community rather than in hospitals.
What Are Chronic Disease Management Hubs?
Chronic Disease Management Hubs are community-based facilities that centralize the care of patients with chronic conditions. These hubs integrate services from General Practitioners (GPs), practice nurses, community specialist teams, and hospital specialists, facilitating a collaborative approach to patient care. The hubs aim to:
- Reduce hospital admissions and readmissions
- Enhance early detection and prevent disease progression
- Provide timely access to diagnostics and specialist assessments
- Support self-management and patient education
These hubs are particularly beneficial for individuals aged 16 and over with one or more chronic diseases. They offer services such as diagnostics, disease monitoring, and personalized care planning. Many hubs also provide virtual clinics, enabling patients to receive care from home and reducing the need for hospital visits. The team in the hubs consist of a Consultant Endocrinologists, Diabetes Nurse Specialists, Specialist Dieticians, Specialist Podiatrists, and Smoking Cessation Officers.
Where Are These Hubs Located?
As of 2025, 26 community specialist teams for chronic disease have been established across Ireland, serving populations of approximately 150,000 people each.
These teams operate within Community Healthcare Networks (CHNs), which are designed to deliver primary healthcare services locally. Each CHN comprises multiple primary care teams and is supported by specialist teams for chronic disease and older persons.
How to Access Services
To participate in the Chronic Disease Management Programme, individuals must:
- Be aged 16 or over
- Have a Medical Card, GP Visit Card, or Health Amendment Act Card
- Be diagnosed with a chronic condition such as Type 2 diabetes, Asthma, COPD, or Cardiovascular Disease
Your GP will work with you to develop a personalized care plan, which may include regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and referrals to specialist services.
Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
Mental health is a crucial aspect of diabetes care. However, a survey by Diabetes Ireland revealed that 75% of respondents did not discuss mental health as part of their diabetes care, though half of them would have liked to. Healthcare providers are encouraged to address emotional well-being during reviews and refer individuals to appropriate support services.
Accessing Services
To participate in any of these programmes, individuals should:
- Contact their GP to express interest
- Ensure they have a Medical or GP Visit Card
- Inquire about eligibility for structured education programmes
- If you need assistance locating a diabetes education course or have questions about specific aspects of diabetes care, visit the HSE’s diabetes services page: www.hse.ie/diabetes.
Financial Support and Entitlements
Individuals with Type 1 diabetes may be eligible for various supports:
- Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme: Provides free access to diabetes medications, insulin pens, lancets, and glucose monitoring strips.
- Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA): A monthly payment for carers of children under 16 who require extra care due to a disability, which can include Type 1 diabetes.
Getting Started
To access services:
- Contact Your GP: Discuss referral to a diabetes clinic or specialist team.
- Inquire About Education Courses: Ask about the availability of DAFNE or other structured education programmes.
- Explore Support Networks: Engage with communities – join our Diabetes Ireland Community Network Support Programs!
Join Our Type 2 Diabetes Community Network Programme and get support on your diabetes journey.
