If every person with diabetes in Ireland filled a one litre plastic bottle with 1 and 2 cent coins, millions of euro for diabetes services could be raised, Diabetes Ireland has said.

The charity has just launched a new coin collection initiative, aimed at getting people to collect their 1c and 2c coins.

The numbers one and two are synonomous with diabetes as they refer to the main types of the condition.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, not related to weight or a sedentary lifestyle. It is not preventable or reversible and is most commonly diagnosed in childhood.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with poor lifestyle behaviours and diet. Being overweight and leading a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk. The condition usually develops in people over the age of 45, although it is increasingly being seen in younger people too.

An estimated 190,000 adults in Ireland are affected by type one or type 2 diabetes.

According to Diabetes Ireland, if all of those affected filled a single one litre plastic bottle with these coins every year, €3.4 million per annum could be raised.

"These coins have recently been the subject of media attention with regards to eliminating them from circulation in Ireland on the back of a trial in Wexford and so we are hoping this initiative becomes successful for a couple of years before these coins disappear," the charity said.

The initiative is being supported by Today FM DJ Ian Dempsey, comedian Karl Spain and stylist Naomi Clarke, all of whom have diabetes.

"While not all of us are inclined to be jumping out of planes or running marathons in order to fundraise, I think this is a very simple but great idea and one that everyone affected by diabetes should support. I certainly will have a bottle with the sticker in my house and would further encourage people to get one placed in their workplace," said Mr Spain.

People can register for a fundraising pack by calling 1850 909 909 or emailing info@diabetes.ie