About D1 Now
A youth-led programme shaping better Type 1 Diabetes care.
D1 Now is a research and innovation programme in Ireland, created with young adults living with Type 1 Diabetes. We bring young adult experience, clinical practice, and research together to improve how support feels and works in real life. D1 Now is advocating to removes the big barriers for these young people from accessing healthcare, enabling them to manage their health better.
What is D1 Now?
D1 Now is a national programme focused on improving care and support for young adults (18–25) living with Type 1 Diabetes in Ireland. It combines youth partnership, research evidence, and clinical collaboration to develop practical tools, resources, and ways of working that fit real life.
What D1 Now does
- Designs and tests youth-centred supports for young adults with Type 1 Diabetes.
- Develops practical tools and resources that fit real life and clinic settings.
- Brings together young adults, clinicians, and researchers to improve care experiences.
- Shares learning to inform service improvement across Ireland. Learn more about the Trial →
Who it’s for
- Young adults (18–25) living with Type 1 Diabetes.
- Diabetes clinics and healthcare professionals.
- Researchers interested in youth-led and applied health research.
- Policy makers and service leaders focused on improving diabetes care.
Why it matters
Young adulthood is a time of huge change — moving out, college or work, new routines, and more independence. Diabetes doesn’t pause during these transitions. D1 Now focuses on support that works with real life, not against it.
Life changes, care needs change
Support needs to fit around busy, shifting lives. We explore how services can be more flexible and responsive.
Lived experience strengthens design
Young adult voices shape priorities, language, and tools—so resources feel relevant and respectful.
Better support, long-term impact
We aim to inform service improvements that benefit young adults now and strengthen future care models.
Our approach
D1 Now combines youth partnership, research evidence, and clinical collaboration. We keep things practical: clear language, realistic tools, and improvements that can work in everyday services.
Youth-centred
Young adults are partners in decision-making and design. The Young Adult Panel (YAP) guides what matters most.
Evidence-informed
We draw on behavioural science and existing research, and we evaluate what we build so lessons can be shared.
Collaborative & real-world
We work with diabetes clinics and teams to develop approaches that are realistic and scalable.
Research & Team
D1 Now is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, and young adult partners. Below are members of the core team.
Governance & Oversight
D1 Now follows robust governance processes to ensure ethical conduct, participant safety, and transparency across all stages of the programme.
Independent Steering & Data Monitoring Group
An independent group provides external oversight of the programme, with a focus on participant safety, study integrity, and ethical conduct.
- Dr Sarah O’Connell (Chair)
- Prof Michael Byrne
- Dr Aisling Walsh
- Prof David Keane
- Ms Fiona Ní Chathasaigh
- Dr Tomás Ryan
Core Governance Group
The Core Governance Group is responsible for the overall direction, delivery, and accountability of the D1 Now programme.
This group includes all co-applicants and members of the research team, bringing together expertise in diabetes care, research, youth engagement, and implementation.
Membership of this group is detailed in the Research & Team section →
Outputs & impact
D1 Now is designed to generate practical resources and clear research learning—useful for young adults, clinics, and decision-makers. This section can link to your publications and resources as they grow.