Western diabetes education waiting list falls by 31%

The number of people waiting for a diabetes education programme across Galway, Roscommon and Mayo fell by 31% between November 2025 and August 2026, according to the HSE.

The waiting list for DESMOND, which supports people living with type 2 diabetes, dropped from 856 to 591 over that period. The programme offers structured education and self-management support to help participants make informed decisions about their health.

Ahead of World Diabetes Day on 14 November, the HSE West Integrated Care Chronic Disease Hubs are highlighting prevention, education and multidisciplinary care. An estimated 300,000 people in Ireland live with diabetes, while more than 550 million adults are affected worldwide.

With rates of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease rising, the HSE says early intervention and community support can help prevent complications and improve long-term health.

Working with local GPs, the hubs provide consultant-led clinics and bring together clinical nurse specialists, dietitians, physiotherapists and podiatrists, making specialist care available closer to patients’ homes.

Anthony Callaghan, from Clarinbridge, Co Galway, said taking part in DESMOND improved his understanding of diet, exercise and medication. He said the group sessions helped him learn what to eat and avoid, while physiotherapy gave him confidence to establish a regular exercise routine.

“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 hubs also run a Diabetes Prevention Programme for people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Early results indicate improvements in weight, blood glucose control and cardiovascular risk factors.

Dietitian Siobháin Warren, of the West Galway and City Integrated Care Chronic Disease Hub, said the programme gives people the knowledge, support and confidence to reduce their risk. She described helping participants make sustainable lifestyle changes as one of its most rewarding aspects.

The physiotherapy-led Diabetes Exercise and Lifestyle Programme, known as DELP, has shown improvements in fitness, mobility, physical function and blood glucose control. Senior physiotherapist Bernie Kelly said it uses structured strengthening, balance and cardiovascular exercises to support long-term physical activity and better health.

Dr Tomas Griffin, regional consultant lead for diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism at HSE West and North West, said World Diabetes Day was an opportunity to highlight what could be done to prevent type 2 diabetes and improve outcomes for people already living with it.

He said the focus was on identifying people at risk, supporting sustainable lifestyle changes and providing timely education and specialist care. The multidisciplinary approach, he added, gives people access to a range of expertise within their own communities.

The programmes form part of the hubs’ wider work to strengthen integrated care and improve patients’ pathways through services.