How does the diabetes community in Ireland support each other, especially around events like St. Patrick's Day?

Grainne Flynn, an Irish diabetes advocate, has been living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for almost 30 years. She started blogging about her experiences in 2010 and co-founded Thriveabetes, an Irish diabetes community-led conference. Flynn emphasizes the importance of the internet in providing resources and support for diabetes management. She found valuable information and community support online, which helped her improve her diabetes care. Flynn also set up a local diabetes support group in Ireland, which grew into a larger community over time. The Diabetes Online Community (DOC) has been a lifeline for many, especially during the pandemic when in-person meetings were not possible. Flynn highlights the role of online groups in providing information and support, including guidance on vaccinations during the pandemic. St. Patrick's Day in Ireland has evolved into a celebration of national identity and culture, with festivals featuring Irish dance, music, and parades. Flynn notes that the diabetes community in Ireland is very community-oriented, with volunteers helping those in need during the lockdown. The Thriveabetes conference aims to provide in-person peer support and has adapted to virtual events during the pandemic. The next conference is planned for spring 2023.