The health service is struggling to cope with the number of people seeking treatment for diabetes, Diabetes Ireland has said.

With an increasing number of people being diagnosed with the condition, HSE services are ‘being simply overwhelmed', the charity claimed.

It pointed out that if the condition is poorly controlled or managed, this can significantly affect a person's quality of life. Poorly managed or uncontrolled diabetes is the main cause of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, amputation and blindness in Ireland. However, most of these can be avoided with proper self-management and treatment.

The charity is urging people to attend its national spring meeting on April 14, which is taking place in Limerick. The meeting will focus on the importance of good daily self-management, providing people with tips and information on how to deal with their condition more effectively.

"Most diabetes patients are very good at taking their prescribed medications, but many don't appreciate, or choose to ignore, the importance of healthy eating and regular exercise as part of their overall management of diabetes. I know it's hard but the reality is that people with diabetes need to look after themselves every hour of every day," commented Dr Anna Clarke of Diabetes Ireland.

Guest speakers on the day will include consultant physician at St John's Hospital in Limerick, Dr Corneilius Cronin, and consultant paediatric endocrinologist at Limerick Regional Hospital, Prof Clodagh O'Gorman.

Topics due to be discussed include how to avoid diabetes complications, healthy eating and foot care.

"Good self-management on a daily basis will enhance quality of life. Therefore, I would urge people with diabetes to come along to this meeting and hear from the experts," Dr Clarke added.

The meeting will take place on April 14 in the Castletroy Park Hotel in Limerick. For more information, call Diabetes Ireland on (01) 836 3022 or email info@diabetes.ie