Sasikala Velappan, Clinical Nurse Specialist

Sasikala Velappan is originally from Kerala state in India. She is now working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Diabetes at the Chronic Disease Management Hub in Glasnevin in Dublin North Central.

Sasikala came to Ireland in 2008 after a recommendation from friends. While working in the Mater Hospital she was encouraged by a colleague to complete a Diploma in Diabetes Nursing at UCD.  She worked in the Diabetes Day Centre in the Mater before moving to the community in January 2024.

Mother to three boys Sasikala says her work/life balance is very important to her.

“I like the autonomy the role affords me and the regular follow-up review of patients. I can get to know them well and gain their trust. We can have a good conversation and it makes it easier to assess and focus on patient needs. People with diabetes can have complex needs and diabetes is becoming more and more common. Complications can arise from diabetes and it’s about enabling patients to achieve stable glycaemic control to avoid or delay those complications”.

Sasikala says she would like to see other nurses taking an interest in the management of diabetes in the community as there is a demand for this type of care.