Free diabetes support comes to Larne as figures reveal higher local rates than NI average
Sunday 11 October 2026
People living with diabetes or at risk of developing the condition in Larne can now access free local support, with new figures highlighting a higher rate of diagnosed diabetes in the East Antrim area than the Northern Ireland average.
Diabetes UK Northern Ireland launched its latest Live Well Hub at Larne Marketyard on Thursday 8 October, offering residents access to healthcare advice, practical information and opportunities to meet others managing the condition.
The new service is part of a wider programme designed to help people understand diabetes, reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and manage an existing diagnosis.
Diabetes rates above Northern Ireland average
Figures provided by Diabetes UK show that 10,584 people in the East Antrim GP Federation area are living with diabetes, equivalent to 83.8 people per 1,000 residents.
That compares with a Northern Ireland average of 72.0 per 1,000, meaning the recorded rate in East Antrim is approximately 16% higher than the regional average.
A further 7,165 people in the East Antrim GP Federation area are living with prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but have not reached the threshold for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Across Northern Ireland, almost 120,000 people have diagnosed diabetes, while another 88,500 are living with prediabetes.
Free advice and community support
The Larne Live Well Hub gives people the opportunity to speak with local healthcare professionals and members of the Diabetes UK Northern Ireland team, access information about managing diabetes and connect with others facing similar challenges.
It is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund as part of a five-year project aimed at improving access to diabetes information and support across Northern Ireland.
Heather Causer, Diabetes UK Northern Ireland Engaging Communities and Volunteer Manager, welcomed the expansion into Larne.
She said:
“We are excited to see our Live Well Hubs expand to Larne. With almost 120,000 people living with diabetes in Northern Ireland, and many more at risk, it is essential that we continue growing our support network to meet the increasing needs of our communities.
“Thanks to the support of the National Lottery Community Fund, we’re able to positively impact the lives of many by helping them reduce their risk or manage their condition well. The Larne Hub will be an excellent resource for people from Larne and the surrounding areas – we look forward to welcoming them at the launch on 8 October.”
Upcoming Larne Hub sessions
The free sessions will take place at Larne Marketyard on the following dates:
• Thursday 15 October — 10am to 11am
• Thursday 22 October — 10am to 11am
• Thursday 29 October — 10am to 11am
• Thursday 5 November — 10am to 11am
The sessions are free to attend and provide an opportunity for people living with diabetes, or concerned about their risk, to access information and support locally.
Live Well Hubs are also available in Ballymena, Bangor, Belfast, Lisburn, Mid Ulster, Newry and Portadown.
For further information about the programme, residents can contact the Diabetes UK Northern Ireland team by emailing communityteamni@diabetes.org.uk.
Additional information about diabetes and the charity's work is available at www.diabetes.org.uk.
Understanding diabetes and its risks
Diabetes occurs when the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood becomes too high because the body cannot produce enough insulin or use it effectively.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body cannot produce insulin. It is not caused by being overweight and cannot currently be prevented. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin treatment every day.
Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for around 90% of diabetes cases, develops when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Factors including age, family history, ethnicity and excess weight can increase the risk.
Treatment for type 2 diabetes can involve changes to diet and physical activity, alongside medication or insulin where required.
Without effective management, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including sight loss, kidney failure, lower limb amputation and stroke. However, appropriate treatment, knowledge and ongoing support can help people with diabetes live long and healthy lives.
For residents in Larne and the surrounding area, the new Hub offers a regular, free opportunity to seek advice closer to home, particularly important in a community where the recorded rate of diabetes is already above the Northern Ireland average.
