Tea for Diabetes Ireland (T4DI)

T4DI is seeking the co-operation of individuals, groups and organisations in hosting a tea break in places like their home, club, church hall, or workplace, whenever it suits them in February 2010.

Last year 160 hosts held tea mornings catering for between 5 -300 people helping raise awareness about diabetes among over 6,600 people while raising a total of €40,00 for the Diabetes Federation.

One host who held an event in their workplace in 2009 said “I gave two 8/9 minute talks, emphasising the importance of exercise and the importance of getting blood sugars checked in the over 40 age group. Approximately 150 people attended my talks, with many coming to me after to say that they finally understood diabetes was and the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes”.

There are currently 200,000 people with diabetes in Ireland and at least 50,000 of those are undiagnosed. There are a further 100,000 people with pre-diabetes, many of whom will develop diabetes in the next 5-10 years. With the predicted increase in diabetes in Ireland, raising awareness of diabetes among our family, friends and colleagues is essential as earlier diagnosis of diabetes will see earlier treatment and better management of a person’s condition in the longer term.

“If you are a person living with diabetes, you have a wealth of knowledge on your condition and through this initiative we are asking you to share this knowledge and improve the health of your family and friends. Remember, you have the information,
share it,” said Kieran O'Leary

Individuals and groups who sign up to the event will receive an organiser’s pack with:
• Materials to help promote their event
• Fact sheets on diabetes
• Healthy eating and physical activity tips
• Ideas on how to have fun and raise funds.

To register for this vital event phone 1850 909 909 or e-mail info@diabetes.ie with your name, address, a day time contact phone number and approx. how many guests you hope will attend.

Splenda Proudly Supporting Tea For Diabetes Ireland 2010