Dundalk volunteer Catherine helps bring international speakers to type 1 diabetes conference

With a strong local voice from Dundalk helping to shape this year’s programme, Thriveabetes 2026 is set to bring a uniquely community-driven perspective to Ireland’s national conversation on Type 1 Diabetes. Among the organisers is Dundalk-based pharmacist and advocate Catherine Showler, whose lived and professional experience reflects the growing strength of diabetes awareness and support across the North East. 

Thriveabetes 2026, Ireland’s only volunteer-led national Type 1 Diabetes conference, is organised by volunteers from across the country, including a strong cohort based in Leinster, and takes place at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport, Santry on Saturday, 18 April 2026. The event is titled Thriveabetes and is organised by Laura Cook, Laois, Gráinne Flynn, Offaly, Ken Barclay, Dublin, Audrey O’Neill, Meath and Catherine Showler, Louth. 

Approximately 30,000 people in Ireland live with Type 1 Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune condition that requires individuals to take insulin multiple times every day through injections or an insulin pump because their pancreas produces little or no insulin. It also involved monitoring glucose, activity levels and ongoing education. 

The conference will feature educational talks, panel discussions, opportunities to meet others living with the condition, and access to the latest diabetes technologies and devices. Tickets available at www.Thriveabetes.ie.

This year’s programme combines lived experience with clinical and professional expertise, featuring speakers including:  

• Pete Davies (UK) – living with type 1 diabetes for over 69 years (Keynote) sharing a lifetime of insight into long-term self-management
• Beth McDaniel & Ellen Watson (The Diabetic Duo). TikTok creators with nearly 30,000 followers and over 40 million views, blending fashion, humour and honesty about life with diabetes.  
• Dr Ahmed Iqbal – Senior Clinical Lecturer & Honorary Consultant in Diabetes, University of Sheffield  
• Dr Cathy Breen – Registered Dietitian, DAFNE Educator, National Clinical Programme for Diabetes  
• Anne Marie Frohock – Lead Paediatric Diabetes Dietitian, EXercise with Type One Diabetes (EXTOD) Chair  
• Tim Street, DiabetTech Founder   

Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of four, Catherine Showler from Dundalk is a pharmacist working across hospital and community pharmacy settings. A keen traveller, she has seen first-hand how diabetes care varies internationally and brings this global perspective to her volunteer work with Thriveabetes.

Following the diagnosis of her two young daughters, Catherine committed herself to improving quality of life for families living with diabetes and went on to complete a Master’s in Diabetes Care. In May 2025, Catherine launched The Diabetic Mammy podcast, a health and lifestyle podcast exploring the realities of life with Type 1 Diabetes through honest, relatable conversations. Hosted by someone who understands both the clinical and lived experience, it has quickly become a valued space for parents and adults navigating the daily highs and lows of diabetes.

With almost 30,000 TikTok followers and more than 40 million views, Beth and Ellen, best friends, young professionals, and now first-time Thriveabetes speakers, will bring humour, fashion and everyday diabetes relatability to the stage. Their content is followed globally by young adults navigating Type 1 Diabetes with visibility and confidence.

This is their first live appearance in Dublin, marking a standout moment for young Irish adults with Type 1 seeking community and representation.

Many adults with Type 1 Diabetes report never having met another person with the condition. Thriveabetes exists to change that. The 2026 conference will welcome over 200 attendees for a day of connection, psychological support, shared lived experience and access to the latest technologies, including insulin pumps, CGMs and automated systems.

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“Bringing these speakers to Dublin is a milestone,” says co-founder Gráinne Flynn, diagnosed over 30 years ago. “Hearing from someone who has lived with Type 1 for nearly seven decades, alongside two young women redefining visibility online is so powerful.”

Thriveabetes continues to offer what many attendees say they struggle to find elsewhere: shared experience, understanding, emotional support and space to talk openly about life with Type 1 Diabetes.

Thriveabetes takes place on Saturday, 18th April, in The Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport Hotel, Santry and includes exhibition area featuring companies supplying diabetes technology, devices and supports. For more information, contact info@Thriveabetes.ie. Tickets are available from: www.Thriveabetes.ie. Further speaker announcements will follow in the coming weeks.