This World Diabetes Day we are shining a special light on the incredible impact research has had in supporting people living with diabetes. Did you know that this year, the 25th of October, marked 100 years since Frederick Banting and John Macleod received a Nobel Prize for the discovery of insulin? This is an incredible life-saving treatment which has helped millions of people around the world.
Ongoing research and striving to stop diabetes forever are integral to our work. Marking the incredible work of Frederick Banting and John Macleod, this World Diabetes looks at the past, present, and future of diabetes research – as part of that, we recently launched our Research Impact Report, which documents 85 years of incredible research projects.
Locally here in Northern Ireland we have also been working on some exciting projects to mark World Diabetes Day – make sure to check them out below and keep an eye on our social media channels, @diabetesukni, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Turning Northern Ireland Blue for World Diabetes Day
Helping spread greater awareness and understanding of diabetes, we’re working with a number of councils across Northern Ireland to light up in our Diabetes UK blue! Check out below all the locations across the region that will be lighting up their buildings on the 13th / 14th of November.
A big thank you to our councils for their fantastic support. If you are out and about and see your local building lit up, make sure to snap a picture, share to social media and tag us @diabetesukni.
Upcoming events
We have lots of exciting events happening this week – we’d love to see you there!
Bangor Live Well Hub
Our next Live Well Hub in Bangor will be happening on Tuesday 14th November at 10am-11am. Join our team as we offer information and resources to support your diabetes care. We’d love to see you there!
R: NDCN Wellbeing Centre, 25-27 Main Street, Bangor
Read more about the Live Well Hubs here
Join our team and members of Our Lives Our Voices as we celebrate the official opening of their exhibition 'type 1 through the lens' at the Belfast Exposed Gallery this World Diabetes Day.
Created by our young members, this collection shares what life with type 1 diabetes is like through the lens. Belfast Exposed held a series of workshops over the summer, supporting our members in the development of their final pieces - we can't wait to see them!
I’d be great to see you there, Tuesday 14th November, 6.30-9pm at Belfast Exposed Gallery, 23 Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2FF.
Email us if you have any questions about this event
Diabetes in Pregnancy Conference
Are you a healthcare professional interested in attending the 12th Diabetes in Pregnancy Conference this November?
Last year we had 750 healthcare professionals attending and it keeps on growing… Join us online to hear and debate all the latest insights on World Diabetes Day, 14th November 2023.
As the largest specialist Diabetes in Pregnancy Conference in Europe, our programme has been designed to explore all the latest trends and research in diabetes in pregnancy for healthcare professionals. Topics will include gestational diabetes before and after birth, pre-pregnancy care and what it entails, how tech can support diabetes in pregnancy and more...
Diabetes information session
Come along to our diabetes awareness event, we'll be providing information, resources, and a chance to talk all things diabetes.
The event is open to everyone, we'd love to see you there!
Creggan Neighbourhood Partnership, Thursday 16th November from 2-3pm.
We'll be at Rathmór Shopping Centre doing an information stall before, from 11am-1pm.
Young people and Family Wellbeing Day
Our Lives Our Voices will be hosting a wellbeing day for young people aged 11-25 living with type 1 diabetes and their parents/carers on Saturday 18th of November.
The day will provide young people with the chance to take part in a wellbeing programme that has been created by our young people alongside Action Mental Health and AWARE NI. The programme is designed to provide strategies to support positive wellbeing. Parents/carers will receive their own wellbeing session to support caring for a child with type 1 and participate in a discussion with a variety of diabetes healthcare professionals.
It’ll be an all-day event running from 9:30am – 3:00pm, lunch and refreshments will be provided. The event will be held in the Ecos Hub, Ballymena, Kernohans Lane, Broughshane Road, Ballymena, BT43 7QA.
Diabetes and Menopause Event
On Saturday 18th of November, join our free information and wellbeing event for women on their journey through menopause whilst living with diabetes. Speakers will be talking about mindfulness, self-compassion and more.
The event will be form 9:30am-3:30pm at the Montalto Estate, Spa Road, Ballynahinch, BT24 8PT. Lunch will be provided.
Diabetes in Pregnancy Event
This online event, taking place on Tuesday 21st of November, will offer support to women on their diabetes journey during pregnancy. Come along and have a chat with your healthcare team about all things gestational diabetes.
They will provide you with information and answer your questions, no matter what stage of the journey you're at. The sessions will be online via zoom from 7:30-8:30pm.
Email us to reserve your space
Nailing Diabetes
Show your support this World Diabetes Day by painting your nails blue – learn more about our Nailing Diabetes challenge here. Make sure to show off your nails online, sharing to social media with the hashtag #NailingDiabetes – you can also tag us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @diabetesukni
