Mayo among counties benefiting from improved HSE Diabetes Care
The HSE West Integrated Care Chronic Disease Hubs are highlighting the importance of diabetes prevention and education ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14.
HSE West Integrated Care Chronic Disease Hubs are highlighting the importance of diabetes prevention, education and community-based care ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14, with initiatives supporting people across Galway, Roscommon and Mayo.
An estimated 300,000 people in Ireland are living with diabetes, while more than 550 million adults worldwide are affected by the condition.
With rates of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease continuing to rise, the HSE is emphasising the importance of early intervention, education and local support to help prevent complications and improve long-term health.
Working alongside local GPs, the HSE West Integrated Care Chronic Disease Hubs provide consultant-led clinics and multidisciplinary care, bringing specialist services closer to patients.
Their teams include Clinical Nurse Specialists, Dietitians, Physiotherapists and Podiatrists, who work together to support people living with diabetes and those at risk of developing the condition.
Among the key initiatives is the Diabetes Prevention Programme, which supports people at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Early results have shown improvements in weight, blood glucose control and cardiovascular risk factors.
The DESMOND (Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed) Programme is also helping to improve access to diabetes education and reduce waiting times across the region.
Between November 2025 and August 2026, the waiting list for the programme across Galway, Roscommon and Mayo fell from 856 to 591 people, representing a reduction of 31 per cent.
Through structured education and self-management support, DESMOND helps people with Type 2 diabetes develop the knowledge and confidence to manage their condition and make informed decisions about their health.
Anthony Callaghan, from Clarinbridge, Co Galway, who participated in the programme, said it had a positive impact on his understanding and management of Type 2 diabetes, particularly in relation to diet, exercise and medication.
“I learned that managing Type 2 diabetes requires a balance between medication, diet and lifestyle. The group sessions improved my understanding of what to eat and what to avoid.
“I also gained the confidence to establish and maintain a regular exercise routine, following the improvements I experienced through physiotherapy.
“The knowledge and information I gained have also helped my GP and the Diabetes Centre at University Hospital Galway to fine-tune my medication, supporting improvements in my overall health,” he said.
The physiotherapy-led Diabetes Exercise and Lifestyle Programme (DELP) has also demonstrated improvements in fitness, mobility, physical function and blood glucose control.
Bernie Kelly, Senior Physiotherapist with the West Galway and City Integrated Care Chronic Disease Hub, said the programme provides structured exercise and support for people living with Type 2 diabetes.
“DELP is an evidence-based programme supporting people with Type 2 diabetes through structured strengthening, balance and cardiovascular exercises.
“It aims to improve physical function, blood glucose control and overall health while promoting sustainable lifestyle changes and long-term physical activity,” she said.
Siobháin Warren, Dietitian with the West Galway and City Integrated Care Chronic Disease Hub, said the Diabetes Prevention Programme encourages people to take action before developing Type 2 diabetes.
“The Diabetes Prevention Programme helps people take action early, providing the knowledge, support and confidence to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
“One of the most rewarding aspects is helping people make sustainable lifestyle changes that support lifelong health and wellbeing,” she said.
Dr Tomas Griffin, Regional Consultant Lead for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, HSE West and North West, said:
“World Diabetes Day is an opportunity to highlight that much can be done to prevent Type 2 diabetes and improve outcomes for those already living with the condition.
“Our focus is on identifying people at risk, supporting sustainable lifestyle changes and ensuring access to the right education and specialist care at the right time. The results from programmes such as Diabetes Prevention and DESMOND demonstrate the positive impact of early intervention and structured support.
“Through our multidisciplinary approach, people can access a range of expertise within their own communities, helping them feel confident and supported in managing their health.
”These programmes form part of the HSE West Integrated Care Chronic Disease Hubs’ wider commitment to strengthening integrated care, improving patient pathways and ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
The programmes form part of the HSE West Integrated Care Chronic Disease Hubs' wider commitment to strengthening integrated care, improving patient pathways and ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.