What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a common condition in which the amount of glucose in the blood at diagnosis is too high because the body cannot use the glucose as energy. Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or produces insulin but cannot use it properly. There are two types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes occurs when there is a severe lack of insulin in the body because the cells in the pancreas that produce it have been destroyed.
- Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can still make some insulin, but not enough for its needs, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance).
If you have Type 2 diabetes
If you have Type 2 Diabetes and want to learn how to manage your condition better, you can ask your GP or Practice Nurse to refer you onto a FREE education programme with the Diabetes Education Service. This can help you to learn more about the condition and how to manage it better yourself. Here are some common reasons why you will have been referred to the Diabetes Education.
The Diabetes Education Service is for people in Derby and Derbyshire who have type 2 diabetes.
They offer:
- Free, friendly and interactive courses to help you live well with type 2 diabetes.
- Courses led by a qualified and experienced Diabetes Educator.
- Group sessions with up to 15 people.
- Daytime, evening and weekend courses.
- You can choose the course that’s right for you.
The service offer three different course options:
- ‘X-PERT Diabetes’ – an online course.
- ‘X-PERT Diabetes’ – a face-to-face course.
- Diabetes & You – a face-to-face session.
Options 1 and 2: ‘X-PERT Diabetes’.
- ‘X-PERT Diabetes’ Online Course
- The most popular course. You can join from your own home.
- You will need internet access and either a laptop, computer or smartphone.
- Each session lasts 2 hours.
- There is one session a week for six weeks.
- Group session led by a trained Diabetes Educator.
- ‘X-PERT Diabetes’ Face-to-Face Course
- Held at a local NHS or community centre.
- Each session lasts 2 hours 30 minutes.
- There is one session a week for six weeks.
- Group session led by a trained Diabetes Educator.
Option 3: Diabetes & You
Diabetes & You is a short face-to-face session. It is:
- Held at a local NHS or community centre.
- A half day course.
How will education help me?
You will have the opportunity to explore and learn about living well with diabetes and up-to-date treatments and approaches. There will be a chance to talk about any concerns that you have with your lifestyle, such as dietary intake and physical activity levels.
The aim of education is not to tell you what you should and shouldn’t do, but to help you decide what you would like to do and how you would like to do it. You will be supported in setting your own realistic goals. The education will help you to learn about:
- What is diabetes and how it affects you.
- How food affects blood glucose.
- Ways to work towards needing less medication.
- How to live a healthy lifestyle.
- Weight loss approaches.
- Carbohydrates and diabetes.
- Looking after your body (or self).
- How to set goals to help control your diabetes.
- Planning your diabetes care.
Who can attend?
You can attend if you have just found out you have diabetes or if you have been living with it for years. The education provides tools and techniques to help you manage your condition better. You must also be aged 18 or over.
How much does it cost?
The course is FREE. There is no cost to you.
How long is the course?
‘X-PERT Online’ is 2 hours per week, for six weeks. ‘X-PERT Face-to-Face’ is 2 hours 30 minutes per week, for six weeks. ‘Diabetes and You’ is half a day.
Can I bring somebody with me?
Those who attend can bring a spouse/partner or friend with them at no cost, provided there is space available for the group to meet face-to-face.
Where will the course take place?
‘X-PERT Online’ takes place over the internet using Microsoft Teams. This means you can join from a place comfortable and convenient for you.
‘X-PERT Face-to-Face’ takes place locally, in your area, based on demand.
Diabetes and You takes place locally, in your area, based on demand.
How do I arrange to attend?
Let your GP or Practice Nurse know – they will be able to refer you to the programme.
For more information contact:
Diabetes Type 2 Education Team,
Babington Hospital,
Derby Road,
Belper,
DE56 1WH
Email: dchst.diabetesT2education@nhs.net
Tel: 01773 525029
Visit our website: www.dchs.nhs.uk/diabeteseducation
Take control of your Type 2 Diabetes leaflet – Urdu
Take control of your Type 2 Diabetes A4 poster – Urdu
Take control of your Type 2 Diabetes leaflet – Punjabi
Take control of your Type 2 Diabetes A4 poster – Punjabi
Take control of your Type 2 Diabetes leaflet – Hindi
Take control of your Type 2 Diabetes A4 poster – Hindi
Take control of your Type 2 Diabetes leaflet – English
Take control of your Type 2 Diabetes A4 poster – English
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