Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
| 6 Oct 2025 | |
| Good News Corner |
29 September 2025: AstraZeneca in Ireland announced the launch of a new national campaign, 'Be the Informed Type', supported by Diabetes Ireland. The initiative encourages people with diabetes to take charge of their health and become informed about the potential complications and how to reduce the risk of developing them.
In Ireland, it is estimated that 308,000 people in Ireland have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.1 Research shows people with diabetes are four times more likely to develop heart failure, and almost 24% of people with diabetes aged over 50 develop chronic kidney disease.
Helping to launch the campaign was Pharmacist Oonagh O'Hagan, who explained her reason for collaborating on the initiative, “Seeing first hand, every day, the importance of proactive care for diabetes is what motivated me to get involved in this campaign. Without proper care, diabetes can lead to serious complications like kidney disease or even heart failure.”
Speaking about the importance of the campaign, Senior Dietitian, Education and Support Co-Ordinator with Diabetes Ireland, Sinéad Powell explained, “The purpose of this campaign is to empower people with diabetes to become more informed on understanding the impact that diabetes complications can have on their body. Even with regular care and best efforts to manage diabetes, changes in the body can still happen over time. This is why staying connected with your healthcare professional is so important; early action can help manage symptoms and slow progression.”
Head of Corporate Affairs at AstraZeneca in Ireland, Nicola Fullam, added, “As approximately 6% of the population has diabetes, we understand the importance of raising awareness on the small steps people can take today that could make a big difference in their future health and are delighted to have collaborated on this campaign with Diabetes Ireland.”
The campaign also encourages the importance of being informed when speaking with your healthcare professional. Medical terminology can sometimes be hard to understand, so people should not be afraid to ask their healthcare professional to explain something again or even to use simpler language if there's something they don't understand.
Further information on diabetes complications, including risk factors and symptoms associated with heart failure or chronic kidney disease, can be found at https://betheinformedtype.ie/.
