Increasing patient numbers and dwindling HSE resources means that people with diabetes must take more control of their own day to day management. the support group Diabetes Ireland has stressed.

However, it says many patients are not receiving the proper education to enable them to do so.

To help patients improve control of their condition, Diabetes Ireland is running a series of diabetes management workshops in the Regency Hotel, Swords Road, Drumcondra, Dublin on next Sunday 10 November, from 12.15 pm.

Professor Hilary Hoey, Chairperson of Diabetes Ireland said: "People need to understand that type 1, type 2 and paediatric diabetes are all different conditions. There are significant differences in how each condition is managed and it varies from patient to patient, and county to county based on available services and resources".

Therefore, people must take the time to learn about, and understand, their condition and put these learnings into practice on a daily basis. Not to do so, will only lead to the development of serious complications and a poorer quality of life"

The meeting format provides separate themed patient education streams for people with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and for children and their parents. Each stream will consist of three workshops which will focus on the current issues faced by these groups.

Professor Hoey added: "high profile Irish athletes, such as Dublin All-Ireland Winner, Kevin Nolan, Irish international hockey Star Alan Sothern and professional cyclist Stephen Clancy are encouraging many young Irish people with Type 1 diabetes to aim to be the best in their chosen sport and to not let their condition stop them."

"We are delighted to have renowned expert in his field, Dr Alistair Lumb from the UK, speaking on how to effectively manage Type 1 diabetes when combined with playing intense sport."

Dublin Footballer and 2013 All-Ireland winner, Kevin Nolan will also be in attendance.

Workshop places are limited on the day so advance registration is required.

To register, contact Diabetes Ireland on 1850 909 909/ 01 8428118. Registration costs €5 per person. The full programme is available on www.diabetes.ie