Thriveabetes 2026: Ireland’s Leading Volunteer-Led Type 1 Diabetes Conference
Ireland’s only volunteer-led national Type 1 Diabetes conference, Thriveabetes 2026, is set to capture place on Saturday, April 18th, at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport Hotel, Santry. The event aims to provide information, motivation and inspiration for individuals living with, or affected by, Type 1 Diabetes.
A Community-Driven Approach to Diabetes Support
With a strong local voice from Dundalk helping to shape this year’s programme, Thriveabetes 2026 will bring a uniquely community-driven perspective to Ireland’s national conversation on Type 1 Diabetes. Catherine Showler, a pharmacist and advocate from Dundalk, is among the organizers, reflecting the growing strength of diabetes awareness and support across the North East. The event is organized by Laura Cook, Laois, Gráinne Flynn, Offaly, Ken Barclay, Dublin, Audrey O’Neill, Meath and Catherine Showler, Louth.
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes
Approximately 30,000 people in Ireland live with Type 1 Diabetes 1. This lifelong autoimmune condition requires individuals to take insulin multiple times daily, either through injections or an insulin pump, as their pancreas produces little to no insulin. Effective management also involves consistent glucose monitoring, activity level awareness, and ongoing education.
What to Expect at Thriveabetes 2026
The conference will feature a diverse program including educational talks, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and access to the latest diabetes technologies, and devices. Attendees can connect with others living with the condition and gain valuable insights from experts in the field.
Featured Speakers
Thriveabetes 2026 boasts a lineup of distinguished speakers, including:
- Pete Davies (UK) – Sharing a lifetime of insight into long-term self-management, having lived with Type 1 Diabetes for over 69 years.
- Beth McDaniel & Ellen Watson (The Diabetic Duo) – TikTok creators with a significant online following, blending fashion, humor, and honesty about life with diabetes.
- Dr. Ahmed Iqbal – Senior Clinical Lecturer & Honorary Consultant in Diabetes, University of Sheffield.
- Dr. Cathy Breen – Registered Dietitian, DAFNE Educator, National Clinical Programme for Diabetes.
- Anne Marie Frohock – Lead Paediatric Diabetes Dietitian, EXercise with Type One Diabetes (EXTOD) Chair.
- Tim Street – Founder of DiabetTech Ltd.
Catherine Showler: A Dedicated Advocate
Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of four, Catherine Showler brings both personal experience and professional expertise to her role as an organizer. Her work in hospital and community pharmacy settings, combined with her travels and observations of diabetes care internationally, provides a global perspective to Thriveabetes. She also hosts “The Diabetic Mammy” podcast, exploring the realities of life with Type 1 Diabetes through relatable conversations 1.
Empowering Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes
The Diabetic Duo, Beth and Ellen, will make their first live appearance in Dublin at Thriveabetes 2026. With nearly 30,000 TikTok followers and over 40 million views, they offer a platform for young adults navigating Type 1 Diabetes with visibility and confidence 1.
A Space for Connection and Support
Thriveabetes aims to address the common experience of adults with Type 1 Diabetes who report never having met another person with the condition. The conference welcomes over 200 attendees for a day of connection, psychological support, shared experiences, and access to the latest technologies, including insulin pumps and CGMs 2.
Registration and Further Information
Tickets for Thriveabetes 2026 are available at www.Thriveabetes.ie. For more information, contact info@Thriveabetes.ie. Further speaker announcements will be made in the coming weeks.