DESMOND (Diabetes Education and Self Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed) programme
DESMOND is a free education programme for adults with Type 2 Diabetes in Nottinghamshire.
The programme can help you:
- feel more confident managing your diabetes
- understand your medicines
- make healthier food choices
- learn practical tips you can use every day
You can join a group session in person or online using Microsoft Teams. Sessions are led by experienced diabetes educators.
If you prefer to learn in your own time, you can use MyDESMOND, an online learning programme.
DESMOND is for people who have recently been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and for those who have been living with it for longer. It can help you understand your condition and how to manage it well.
If you have attended DESMOND before, you are welcome to join again as a refresher.
Course feedback: "Informative and enlightening. A very worthwhile course that helped clear up mixed messages."
Who can access the course
You can attend DESMOND if:
- You are over 18 years old
- You have a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
- Have a Nottinghamshire County GP surgery (excluding Bassetlaw).
This is a free, supportive, friendly programme, available to anyone that has a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes.
Ready to get started?
Join one of our DESMOND courses and take the next step towards feeling more confident managing your Type 2 Diabetes.
Book your place today by contacting us:
Email: desmondreferrals@nottshc.nhs.uk
Tel: 0162 348 4837 (If contacting by telephone, you may need to leave a message and a member of the team will get back to you)
When contacting the team to book a place, please let us know if you would like option 1, option 2 or option 3 from the 'Your course options' section below.
Your course options
Option 1: Face-to-Face
Duration: 2 x 3 hour 30 minute sessions or 1 x full day (6.5 hours).
Location: Face-to-face courses are delivered in the following areas:
Mansfield and Ashfield
Newark and Sherwood
Rushcliffe
Broxtowe
Gedling
Please note, not all venues have refreshment facilities, so please bring your own food and drink.
Option 2: Online via Microsoft Teams
Duration: 2 x 3 hour 30 minute sessions or 3 x 2 hour sessions.
Equipment required: Suitable device, e.g. tablet or laptop, with a camera and microphone and a stable Wi-Fi connection.
All face to face and online groups are limited to no more than 10 people.
Option 3: MyDESMOND
E-learning programme for people living with Type 2 diabetes.
This programme is completed at your own pace. It is offered as a stand alone or in addition to attending DESMOND as part of your ongoing care. To find out more visit the MyDesmond | Prevent or Manage Type 2 Diabetes website.
Please note you still need to be referred or do a self-referral to access MyDESMOND.
Course content
Through a series of engaging modules, we will help you understand food choices, physical behaviours, medications and blood glucose levels, providing practical knowledge and skills to support your day-to-day diabetes management.
DESMOND modules include:
- Your Diabetes story
- What is Type 2 Diabetes?
- Treatments
- Checking Glucose Levels
- Type 2 Diabetes and Weight
- Long term effects of Type 2 Diabetes
- Food and Health
- Physical Behaviours
- Self-management plan
- Questions and future care
Course feedback: "The course was very good and informative - very friendly tutors. Really enjoyed it. Thank you!"
To book your place, contact us by:
Email: desmondreferrals@nottshc.nhs.uk
Tel: 01623 484837 (If contacting by telephone, you may need to leave a message and a member of the team will get back to you)
Alternatively, you can be referred by your healthcare team at your GP practice.
Contact us
For further information on the DESMOND programme or to process a referral please contact us:
Email: desmondreferrals@nottshc.nhs.uk
Tel: 0162 348 4837
In writing:
DESMOND Team
Department of Community Nutrition and Dietetics
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Pavilion Building
Mansfield Community Hospital
Stockwell Gate
Mansfield
Nottinghamshire
NG18 5QJ
Once you have an open referral, if we do not hear from you within 2 weeks you will be discharged and your referrer will be informed. You can self-refer in the future using the contact details above.
If you have attended DESMOND in the past, you can attend again.
In choosing to access a DESMOND course you are giving consent to be treated by the Nutrition and Dietetic department of which the DESMOND service is part of.
Opening hours
Office hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday (Except bank holidays).
DESMOND courses delivered Monday to Saturday.
Course reviews
Lots of valuable information thank you. Leaflets that I can refer back to. Encouragement and useful to hear others stories, difficulties, opinions. Good use of 'props'.
Informative and enlightening. A very worthwhile course, eliminating numerous mixed messages.
Good pace of delivery. Excellent tutors with great knowledge of subject. Will help me make a difference!! Thank you
Both advisors were extremely helpful in giving all the information I need to manage my diagnosis. The experience was fun and interactive and was nice to meet people like me
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is DESMOND?
DESMOND stands for Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed. DESMOND provides you with the knowledge and skills to help self-manage your condition. DESMOND (or similar) is recommended for everyone living with Type 2 Diabetes.
What does the course cover?
As well as getting up to date, practical information, the course also covers:
- Food and drink choices
- Medicines
- What your blood test results mean
- Activity
- Emotional wellbeing
- Weight and waist
- Further support.
What is expected of me on the day?
You will be part of a group of no more than 10 people. Some sessions involve group activities. You can contribute as much or as little as you would like to.
Do I have to be recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes to attend?
No - anyone over 18 with Type 2 Diabetes can attend. Some people will be newly diagnosed and others will have had diabetes for years.
Can I bring someone along with me?
Yes - You can bring someone with you. This could be your partner/ friend/ carer.
What if I can't attend - can someone attend on my behalf?
Sometimes participants would like a friend/ relative/ carer to attend on their behalf. Let us know if this is the case.
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