iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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Thriveabetes @thriveabetes.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

📣 NEW UPDATES TO CGM CHART From Diabetes Specialist Nurse Forum UK This chart is soooooo helpful when looking at different CGM options. Most of these are available in Ireland. Download now from the website. buff.ly/Ny1OpuB #Type1Diabetes #t1d #ireland #cgms #Diabetic @nidoc.bsky.social #Speirgorm

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Thriveabetes @thriveabetes.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

CGM Access for people living with Diabetes in Ireland Today I’m attending a briefing in Leinster House as a guest of @dexcomukie, focused on access to CGM devices for people living with diabetes in Ireland. Thank you to Dep Colm Burke for supporting this cross-sector discussion.

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Thriveabetes @thriveabetes.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

Meet Mairead, a primary school teacher from Dublin, diagnosed with T1D aged 4. After years of denial, DAFNE and FreeStyle Libre changed everything. Now a mum of 3, Libre ambassador, and passionate diabetes advocate. 💙 #Diabetes #Type1Diabetes #IREDOC #NIDOC #DiabetesIreland #SundayStories #Diabetic

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Thriveabetes @thriveabetes.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

When people living with diabetes organise events..... - Little things are not forgotten - Hypo stations - People & Pumps photos get taken - Lots of smiles - Mantras that work #T1D #SpeirGorm #Type1Diabetes #NothingAboutUsWithoutUS

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Dawnie @moodwife.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Sharing a study to understand experience of #T1D, #T2D, #GDM & weight change during/after pregnancy among anyone who has been pregnant in the last 3 years. You may register to join a focus group to identify ways to help future mums with #diabetes. redcap.science.ulster.ac.uk/redcap/surve...

Are you a mum diagnosed with gestational diabetes or living with type 1 / type 2 diabetes?
Researchers at the Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE) want to understand your experience of living with diabetes and weight change during & after pregnancy through an online anonymous survey*
We want to hear your experience if you:
Are a Mum aged 18 years or above
Had at least one full-term singleton baby within the last 3 years
Have lived with type 1, type 2 diabetes during pregnancy or your last pregnancy was diagnosed with gestational diabetes
*Estimated time to complete this online anonymous survey is 8-10 minutes
Study has been approved by Ulster University's School of Biomedical Sciences Research Ethics Filter Committee
(FCBMS-25-125-A)
Contact research team for focus group details or further questions
Scan here to take part
Ms Samantha McCombe
(PhD Researcher)
McCombe-S1@ulster.ac.uk
Dr Alyson Hill, RD
(Chief Investigator)
aj.hill@ulster.ac.uk
Professor Alison Gallagher
(Supervisor)
am.gallagher@ulster.ac.uk
NICHE| School of Biomedical Sciences | Ulster University
Ulster
University

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🇮🇪🇵🇸ShivGaffney @shivgaffney.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

#Louth #peersupport meetup for ppl living w/ #T1 #Diabetes in #ImperialHotel #Dundalk tonight @ 7pm till...🥳 #iredoc If you live w/ #T1D come join us for da craic, sharing info, catching up where we're at in our lives (D lives included!!!), asking Qs, etc & sure we might have☕or 🍻🥂🍸🥃or 2...😜

media.tenor.com

a group of minions are standing together and smiling for the camera

Alt: a group of minions are standing together and smiling for the camera

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NI Diabetes Community @nidoc.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Sharing this for anyone who might be interested in a #diabetes card game developed by Prof Kath Barnard-Kelly, a psychologist who specialises in diabetes support www.diafight.com

diafight.com

DiaFight | Diabetes Games

DiaFight is the ultimate diabetes game series where diaheroes battle diamonsters in an epic diabetes-themed world.

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NI Diabetes Community @nidoc.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

The @breakthrought1duk.bsky.social One Walk is happening in 2 weeks time. There will be lots of #NIdoc Dialovelies there so come along for the dander and the craic

3 women and a man wearing Breakthrough T1D t-shirts while walking to raise funds for the diabetes charity

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Dawnie @moodwife.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

On Thursday 29th May 2025, Mary Murphy presented a poster at the Public Health Agency conference on #MentalHealth we had put together from the #NIdoc peer support network. The poster demonstrates the efficacy of peer support for people living with #Type1Diabetes here in Northern Ireland #SquadGoals

The #NIdoc poster for the Public Health Agency (Northern Ireland) Mental Health conference

The Public Health Agency Mental Health conference complete with name lanyards for Dawnie and Mary

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NI Diabetes Community @nidoc.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

Time for another Picnic In The Park #diabetes lads 💙💙💙

You are invited to the 4th Annual
#NIdoc Picnic in The Park
Saturday 7th June 2025 from 1pm
Moira Demesne BT67 ODS
Bring your own picnic & blanket

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Dawnie @moodwife.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

⏰One week to go! I’m thrilled to be presenting at #ATTD2025 in Amsterdam! Join me March 19-22 as we dive into the latest breakthroughs transforming diabetes care. Cutting-edge tech, game-changing research, and the future of treatment—all in one place. #DiabetesCare #DiabetesConference

An ATTD speaker poster showing Dawnie. Text reads

A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF DIABETES TECHNOLOGIES DURING PERIMENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE IN WOMEN
WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES
19 Wednesday (07:00-19:00)

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🇮🇪🇵🇸ShivGaffney @shivgaffney.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

What powerhouses Janet, Biddy, Gerry, Annette&Susan are🥳🙌🤩 #ByTheCommunityForTheCommunity They invited me to come have chat about #diabetes in #SocialCircle #MuirhevnamorCommunityCentre & have come to support me at other diabetes and #womenshealth events in #Dundalk #Louth #MnaAwesome mo chairde🫂

Muirhevnamir social circle is breaking the pandemic of loneliness
By MARGARET RODDY 🇮🇪 is the loneliest place in🇪🇺according to a survey 🇪🇺Commission's Joint Research Centre which found that over 20% of respondents declared themselves "lonely"This is backed up by a research report by🇮🇪Life that found 1 out of 3 adults described themselves as "isolated" or "Lonely" People can find themselves experiencing loneliness for a rariety of reasons. They may be bereaved or divorced, their children may have grown up and left home, they may be recently retired or have moved lo a new community. One organisation in Co Louth that is helping to give people a way out of isolation is the Social Circle which meets in Muirhevamor Community Centre. At its core is a group of women. Janet says "We dont discriminate against anyone. We have people aged 23 to 86."There's an easy sense to the group who are determined to offer... to whoever wants to come. oneliness with chats, coffee, had a speaker from ALONE and 896 and we welcome anyone Siobhan Gaffney did a talk on diabetes. There is comaraderie among the as they share what th They regularly have anything means to them and the
ble Dundalk every Tuesday. n Australia, she now lives in ap but decided after the sum- between fiifteen to thirty people it has brought to thei cure for the pandemic of Gerry did flower arranging. We Biddy, a Dundalk n going until November and ifthe ake place every Tuesday from living in Carrickmac says Janet. The Quay area of Dundalk with mer break that they would keep are their weekly meetings which en spent most of her life livin g They were just about to give she really enjoys While Janet Wintle McMul- diabetes. It's a time that suits everyone, ith other people e hnd craic. Not one to sit at home twid- numbers didn't pick up they 12.30pm to 2.30pm. They have, she S it was no surprise when she was band would organise some lect children or grandchildren. a "tight" group "We asked Biddy if her hus- especially…

or social king the onelineSs
group taking part in' the social circle meeting in Muirhevnamor Community
at the social circle meeting. nst anyone for the last tour and they are delighted to forge links with aged 23 to other groups. ne anyone maraderie among the women There's an easy sense of ca- me along, as they share what the group anything means to them and the benefits Eileen Clarke and Tina Elder. lar feature as Janet notes that AL ty people it has brought to their lives. Biddy, a Dundalk native now doesn't know what she'd do they can use techniques that gs which Susan was new to Dun- they have learned into practice lay from living in Carrickmacross, Says without the group. she really enjoys meeting up dalk, having moved here from to deal with stressful situations. They have lots of plans for eryone, with other people each week. They have, she says, become Leitrim, when she went to a a "tight group who all help meet and greet session with the coming months, including e to col- a visit to Dublin 's Glasnevin ildren. her husband. "We had a bit of a chat and cemetery on April 30 and the ) enjoy each other Annette is widow living in that was it. I went back the next Salt Caves in Balbriggan. a and They also meet up socially aewly Meigh near NewTy. "1 gave up working after week as I like meeting people. aden out working for 22 years but I didn't It's better than sitting at home from time to time outside the Tuesday meetings an really know anyone in Meigh as watching daytime television. "IfI hadn't joined the group, indication of the strong bonds int- I always went to Dundalk. It's nd great to have somewhere to go Td know nobody in Dundalk of friendship that they have "We do have a good laugh, developed. ry and to get out ofthe house, to be able to meet up with interesting says Janet, "I couldn't do it The Muirhevnamor Com- people. Otherwise 1 would be without the girls. It would be munity Social Circle meets S. sitting at home and the walls impossible," says Janet o…

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🇮🇪🇵🇸ShivGaffney @shivgaffney.bsky.social · 01/02/2025

@nidoc.bsky.social there's aur Sarah 🥳🎉🤩💙

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🇮🇪🇵🇸ShivGaffney @shivgaffney.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

#Fundraiser event for #WomansAid #Dundalk in #MuirhevnamorCommunityCentre as follows: Date: 6 April 2025 Time: 11am-1pm 🫖🍵☕🍰🍥🧁🥮with lots of chats followed by a raffle with lots of prizes🥳 #Awareness #Charity

WOMEN'S AID DUNDALK 24-Hour Helpline: 042-9333244

CHARITY RAFFLE AT OUR CAKE & COFFEE MORNING!

Be in with a chance of winning one of many amazing prizes by entering our raffle which will raise funds for Woman's Aid Dundalk Tickets are not at a set price but rather a donation of your choosing!
DATE
SUNDAY 6TH OF APRIL

TIME
11AM-1PM
LOCATION
MUIRHEYNAMORE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Raffle will be held at a coffee and cake morning where there will be plenty of tea , coffee and cake to go around!

TO PURCHASE YOUR RAFFLE TICKET CONTACT GAVIN @ 0831199909

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DIAMONDS NEWSAGENTS BALLYMENA @diamondsnews.bsky.social · 01/02/2025

A girl I remember well coming to the shop as a child does ‘The Big Interview’ in this morning’s @News_Letter Her father Big Ken Reid was a very popular customer at my shop for over 30yrs and Sarah came along on many occasions …. #BuyANewspaper

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🇮🇪🇵🇸ShivGaffney @shivgaffney.bsky.social · 01/02/2025

Lá Fhéile Bríde shona daoibh ó Dún Dealgan🎉 #StBrigidsDay #Spéirghorm

A mural of St Brigid on wall outside church on Bridge Street Dundalk

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NI Diabetes Community @nidoc.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

If you haven’t already heard, there’s a global diabetes conference organised by people living with diabetes for people living with diabetes. You can find out more and sign up to attend using this link docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Save The Date
Global Diabetes Conference
22-23 February 2025

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🇮🇪🇵🇸ShivGaffney @shivgaffney.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

#Belfast walked da legs outta #100daysofwalking #365daysofwalking inniu🤩Am don bia agus deoch😂

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NI Diabetes Community @nidoc.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

This wouldn’t do us #NIdoc wans any harm either 🎄

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Dawnie @moodwife.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

Gals who live in #NorthernIreland, have you seen this Department of Health NI #survey about #WomensHealth? If you’re frustrated by service deficits or you think the service provision could be better please take a few minutes to complete it www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/women-e...

health-ni.gov.uk

Women encouraged to take part in NI-wide health survey

Women across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to take part in a survey focusing on their health needs and the challenges around women’s

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Emma Vardy @emmavardy2.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

Do any of my followers themselves, or if not know someone, who could help design a study to look at impact of menstrual cycle hormone levels on amino acid levels? And adult metabolic clinic who may be interested to collaborate/recruit participants? Please DM me. @jimd-editors.bsky.social

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Dawnie @moodwife.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Issues affecting #midwifery & #maternityservices in Northern Ireland highlight key aspects of the gender trifecta seen across #Europe. #Deprivation & #disparity aren’t modifiable factors. Hopefully Mary Renfrew’s report will help #midwives to provide services #women, #families & #communities deserve

Northern Ireland context:
• Northern Ireland has the highest proportion of the population living in poverty in the UK.
• Socioeconomic deprivation in NI is a significant factor in the health and wellbeing of the population.
• Household incomes and productivity levels are lower than the UK average (-17.9% and -14.1% respectively) and NI's gross disposable household income in 2021 was £17,340; lower than Wales (£18,038), Scotland (£19,630) and England (£22,213).
• The largest proportion of births is to women living in the most deprived quintiles, ranging from 21.3% of all births in Q1 (most deprived) to 17% in Q5 (least deprived).
• Most women giving birth in NI are recorded as White; approximately 95% in 2021/22. In 2021, there was an increase in babies born to mothers bom outside of the UK or Ireland and approximately 10% of births in 2013 were to mothers born outside of the UK or Ireland in comparison to less than 4% in 2002
DoH

Context continued:
• Smoking at booking is less likely in first time mothers, women from ethnic minorities, and women living in the least deprived quintile: 4.4% in the least deprived compared with 23.2% in the most deprived.
• The proportion of pregnant women who presented at booking with a normal BMI (18.50-24.99 kg/m2) declined from 48% (n=11,526) in 2013 to 39.6% (n=8066) in 2022 across all HSC Trusts in NI, representing a steady annual decrease.
• More than 38% of woman now have their labour induced. more than 40% have a caesarean birth. While similar to other UK countries and the Republic of Ireland, these rates are out of step with similar countries internationally.
DoH www.heaRh-ni.gov.uk

EUROPEAN MIDWIVES ASSOCIATION
There is a gender trifecta, which is why midwifery is so profoundly underpaid.
The people who are providing the care and the people who are receiving the care are so deeply affected by gender.
Juana Berinstein/ POLICY ADVOCACY. COMUNICATIONS, NEGOTIATIONS, AND
STRATEGY ROOTE IN SYSTEMS CHANGE

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Partha S Kar @parthaskar.bsky.social · 20/11/2024

Today is November 20...birthday of James Collip One of the unsung heroes in discovery of #Insulin-he helped to purify insulin for use in humans Also credited with one of the very first descriptions of hypoglycaemia & its treatment with glucose solution Amazing!!! #Diabetes #gbdoc 💙

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Dr Rebecca (Becky) Thomas @beckylt09.bsky.social · 20/11/2024

This was sooooo much fun to do. Loved joining @diabeteschat.bsky.social and what a line up this month to be part of! Catch up on YouTube! #DiabetesAwarenessMonth

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Type 1 Diabetes UK @type1diabetesuk.bsky.social · 17/11/2024

This made me a little sad but a very real reflection of life with T1D that all of us, I am sure, can relate to. youtu.be/nJ09-n6QveI?...

youtu.be

What a cure feels like

YouTube video by Breakthrough T1D UK

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Type 1 Diabetes UK @type1diabetesuk.bsky.social · 17/11/2024

Another very pertinent video. This time from Diabetes UK. If you knew .... how tough it can be making Type 1 diabetes look this easy. #worlddiabetesmonth #type1diabetes #diabetes youtu.be/XPN8nsCzG5A?...

youtu.be

World Diabetes Day 2024 | Will you help us change the mindset? | Diabetes UK

YouTube video by Diabetes UK

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Dr Rebecca (Becky) Thomas @beckylt09.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

Did you know a complication of #Diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. Left untreated this can lead to sight loss. Diabetes is a condition with numbers: glucose, insulin, carbohydrate. But what if you can't see the numbers? #SeeTheNeed #LeftBehind

The infographic reads:
#SeeTheNeed #LeftBehind
2.2 million people are living with sight loss in the UK 2023 (3.3%)

28,670 children and young people age 0-17 years live with sight impairment and severe sight impairment

427,000 people of working age live with sight loss 1.3 million people with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy. 123,000 people have severe diabetic retinopathy (R2,R3,M1)

20% experience difficulties managing diabetes due to vision loss

Figures from RNIB and Barometer study

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RenzaS / diabetogenic @renzas.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

Very excited that #ATTDAsia24 kicks off today. Our #dedoc° voices are meeting already, coming together to share their advocacy efforts. It’s going to be a busy three days!

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🇮🇪🇵🇸ShivGaffney @shivgaffney.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

Any #365daysofwalking #100daysofwalking crew anseo leis na féileacáin🦋 🦋 "Téann an saol thart mar a bheadh eiteoga air, agus cuireann gach aon Nollaig bliain eile ar do ghualainn"

Early morning Christmas lights in Dundalk

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Nadia Swann @nadiaswann.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

Thanks for this starter pack, Marta

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Miss Diabetes @missdiabetes.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

"36% of people with #diabetes report experiencing diabetes distress, which refers to negative emotional reactions that can arise from living with diabetes—eg, anger, denial, guilt, shame, fear, worry, sadness, and stress". tinyurl.com/57z858ff

thelancet.com

Putting wellbeing at the core of diabetes care

World Diabetes Day, observed on Nov 14 each year, seeks to raise global awareness and improve outcomes for the 537 million people estimated to be living with diabetes around the world and those with, ...

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MenopauseMithers @menopausemithers.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

Mithers be mithering in the background doing #menopause & #diabetes things 💜💙

$Menopause and Diabetes • CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SUPPORTING A PERSON LIVING WITH DIABETES THROUGH THE MENOPAUSE What is the menopause? Perimenopause usually starts after age 40, when periods become irregular - sometimes heavier and more frequent, or lighter and less predictable. This happens when ostrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels drop. Menopause is defined as 12 months or more without having a period. What are the symptoms of menopause? Menopause can cause physical and emotional symptoms that vary in intensity and duration, including: • Hot flushes and night sweats • Depression • Vaginal dryness/ • Feeling anxious • Weight gain pain during sex • Loss of confidence • Loss of libido • Sleep disturbance • Changes in emotions • Burning mouth syndrome • Tiredness • Urinary and vaginal infections • Palpitations • Forgetfulness Top tip: Some symptoms of menopause can feel like low blood sugar. Vaginal dryness is common, and high blood sugar over time can harm vaginal nerves, affecting arousal and pleasure. How does the menopause impact diabetes? • Living with diabetes and going through the menopause can be very challenging. • Perimenopausal changes can affect insulin response, making blood glucose management more difficult. • Weight gain and reduced progesterone levels can increase insulin resistance and blood pressure. • Declining hormones and having diabetes raises the risks of heart disease and bone fractures. Top tip: Consider reviewing QRISK in women living with type 2 diabetes. How to manage the menopause? • If menopausal symptoms affect quality of life, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be beneficial. • Certain types of HRT may not be suitable for women with a history of breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer. • There are different forms of HRT including tablets, patches, gels and a vaginal ring. • Local ostrogen can help with vaginal symptoms, and lubricants can improve comfort during sex. Top tip: It is recommended to use the lowest effective dose of HRT…$

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🇮🇪🇵🇸ShivGaffney @shivgaffney.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

#ROI based #researchers with an interest in #diabetes and #menopause / #perimenopause want to follow Ulster University's lead on this? Sure they'd be willing to have chat with ye🙏 Based on ongoing convos last few years on this under researched area no doubt you'd have many willing contributors😉

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Partha S Kar @parthaskar.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

Some fascinating work in world of #T1Diabetes Novel immune therapy (tegoprubar) being tested in kidney transplant patients & the potential to help beta cell transplants survive in people with #T1D & fewer side effects. A BreakthroughT1D funded study www.breakthrought1d.org/news-and-upd...

breakthrought1d.org

Novel way to protect transplanted cells shows promise - Breakthrough T1D

Tegoprubart shows promise as an alternative to traditional immunosuppressives in Breakthrough T1D-funded clinical trial.

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MenopauseMithers @menopausemithers.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

Ulster University are recruiting to a #diabetes & #menopause #research project Criteria • Aged 18-65 years old • Diagnosis of #T1D or #T2D • Experience of #menopause or #perimenopause symptoms • UK Resident If interested please email Dr Rachel Black r.black3@ulster.ac.uk

Diabetes in Menopause
Ulster University Research Project

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MenopauseMithers @menopausemithers.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

And @moodwife.bsky.social spoke to RTE recently about her #diabetes & #menopause experiences

A glucose sensor can help track glucose levels and help identify what's normal and what might be menopause-related
Managing menopause & diabetes
Dawn Adams, who is a midwife from Belfast and a menopause advocate, is outspoken about her frustration at the lack of insight into the experience of living with both diabetes and menopause, having dealt with it herself.
Here she breaks down the issues of dealing with both and what you can do to alleviate
I started having menopausal symptoms from around the age of 42.
I noticed it got harder to manage my blood glucose levels around the same time. I was doing everything I had always
An overlap of diabetes and menopause or perimenopause must be quite common in Ireland. What are the main symptoms that people could be experiencing that could be confused?
There are many overlapping symptoms between menopause and diabetes. They include - but are not limited to - mood fluctuations; sweats or coldness; irregular menstrual cycles; changes in libido; weight gain; increased worry and anxiety; increased fatigue due to disturbed sleep; increased glucose variability; heightened feelings of loneliness; decreased confidence, both at work and in social activities, and the feeling of being a burden on other people.
done to manage my condition, but for some reason, my glucose levels were still rising. I also have an insulin pump and noticed an increase in the amount of insulin I needed. I had learned to manage my type 1 diabetes but felt like I was losing my confidence and was unsure about what was going on.
What helped was when I started using a glucose monitoring system in 2016. If I woke up in the night or was at work and didn't know if I was having a hot flush or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) - the symptoms are so similar - I could tell instantly by checking an app on my phone. The technology helped me
• see if my levels were in the normal range, and also if they were rising or falling. If everything was OK, I knew it had to be something…

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Dawnie @moodwife.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

The Mithers have arrived and they have cake 🎂 🥰

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Dawnie @moodwife.bsky.social · 15/11/2024

#Healthcare should be proactive rather than reactive

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