- Messages
- 174
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
Hi folks,
I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in October. I’m far from qualified to give much in the way of advice on here, though I would like to share a couple of suggestions that are specific to Ireland in case someone out there finds them helpful.
Firstly, don’t panic!
It’s not the end of the world by any means.
Once you’re done with not panicking, seek out some information leaflets that provide general information about your diagnosis and which contain information specific to how the Irish public health system handles diabetes care. I found that leaflets were a good place to start because, unlike my first frenzied nights on the internet looking for information, the leaflets reduced my anxiety and confusion rather than adding to it.
The best ones I read were sent to me by the charity Diabetes Ireland. I became a member on a whim (costs €40 for 1 years membership) as I was interested in receiving their newsletters and magazines. They sent me a stack of information booklets on everything from diet and medications to foot care to mental health. They also have a free online information course specific to Type 2 called ‘Diabetes Smart’ which I found helpful in the beginning. You don’t have to be a member to take the course. If you’ve been newly diagnosed and have the money to spare, I can only say that I feel I got my money’s worth by joining if only because that envelope of booklets and magazines was informative and soothing.
https://www.diabetes.ie/living-with...art-free-interactive-online-education-course/
Next, unless you have a Medical Card or have money to burn, you’ll want to apply for the Long Term Illness Card. I was not made aware of this by my doctors or my nurses, so I mention it here.
https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/lti/
Everyone diagnosed with diabetes in the Republic is eligible. Applying involves downloading a form, filling it out and bringing it to your doctor, who will send a medical report to the HSE to validate your application. Once accepted on the scheme almost all diabetes medications and associated consumables like test strips for blood testing devices are completely free, though there is a limit on how many test strips you can get in a month based on what medications you're on. Blood pressure and cholesterol medications are also free for diabetics enrolled in the scheme. Many of these medications are quite cheap, but to give one example, Ozempic might cost you €150 to €200 per month in Ireland if you’re prescribed it and you don’t have the Long Term Illness Card (or a Medical Card). It takes a few weeks for the application to be processed, so it’s a good idea to get the application sorted as soon as possible to avoid a possibly expensive visit to the pharmacy.
I hope this has been useful to someone. Thanks for reading.
I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in October. I’m far from qualified to give much in the way of advice on here, though I would like to share a couple of suggestions that are specific to Ireland in case someone out there finds them helpful.
Firstly, don’t panic!
It’s not the end of the world by any means.Once you’re done with not panicking, seek out some information leaflets that provide general information about your diagnosis and which contain information specific to how the Irish public health system handles diabetes care. I found that leaflets were a good place to start because, unlike my first frenzied nights on the internet looking for information, the leaflets reduced my anxiety and confusion rather than adding to it.
The best ones I read were sent to me by the charity Diabetes Ireland. I became a member on a whim (costs €40 for 1 years membership) as I was interested in receiving their newsletters and magazines. They sent me a stack of information booklets on everything from diet and medications to foot care to mental health. They also have a free online information course specific to Type 2 called ‘Diabetes Smart’ which I found helpful in the beginning. You don’t have to be a member to take the course. If you’ve been newly diagnosed and have the money to spare, I can only say that I feel I got my money’s worth by joining if only because that envelope of booklets and magazines was informative and soothing.
https://www.diabetes.ie/living-with...art-free-interactive-online-education-course/
Next, unless you have a Medical Card or have money to burn, you’ll want to apply for the Long Term Illness Card. I was not made aware of this by my doctors or my nurses, so I mention it here.
https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/lti/
Everyone diagnosed with diabetes in the Republic is eligible. Applying involves downloading a form, filling it out and bringing it to your doctor, who will send a medical report to the HSE to validate your application. Once accepted on the scheme almost all diabetes medications and associated consumables like test strips for blood testing devices are completely free, though there is a limit on how many test strips you can get in a month based on what medications you're on. Blood pressure and cholesterol medications are also free for diabetics enrolled in the scheme. Many of these medications are quite cheap, but to give one example, Ozempic might cost you €150 to €200 per month in Ireland if you’re prescribed it and you don’t have the Long Term Illness Card (or a Medical Card). It takes a few weeks for the application to be processed, so it’s a good idea to get the application sorted as soon as possible to avoid a possibly expensive visit to the pharmacy.
I hope this has been useful to someone. Thanks for reading.
