DESMOND is the acronym for Diabetes Education and Self Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed. It is part of a school of patient education for people with diabetes, developed by a number of NHS Organisations.
Educators on the NHS may now be specifically trained in DESMOND.
So what is DESMOND?
- DESMOND is a way to learn more about Type 2 diabetes.
- DESMOND is a resource to help manage diabetes-related changes.
- DESMOND is a way to meet and share life experiences with others.
- DESMOND is a group of education programmes designed for people with diabetes.
DESMOND is an NHS organisation that helps to deliver high quality patients education to people with type 2 diabetes, or those who are at risk of diabetes.
Once a research programmen, DESMOND is now an established part of care improvement for type 2 diabetes in the UK. DESMOND is also a research programmen, building on shared experience to prove how effective education and training can be.
Is DESMOND widely available?
DESMOND is expanding quickly in the UK. Many programmes are in the research phase but will develop over the next 2-3 years, meaning DESMOND will become even more widely available in the UK.
What does DESMOND entail?
DESMOND varies depending upon the individual person.
At this stage, there are three different DESMOND education programmes available in the UK and Eire. These are listed below:
- DESMOND Newly Diagnosed
- DESMOND Foundation (for people with established diabetes)
- DESMOND BME – delivered in Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu and Bengali
DESMOND is a group course for up to 10 people with type 2 diabetes.
The course is built around group activities, with individuals able to speak to an educator.
Why does DESMOND work?
DESMOND is designed to support the diabetic, making them the expert. Educators help to increase knowledge and understanding of what having diabetes means, but empowers the patient to make their own decisions.
What do I get from a DESMOND course?
Current information about diabetes, with practical skills to help you manage it. DESMOND attendees can discuss and explore all aspects of the condition, including diet and medication They are able to meet and talk with others in the same situation.
DESMOND courses are designed to be informal and friendly. There is no pressure to contribute, and participants can bring a partner, family member or friend.
DESMOND teams
The local DESMOND team running the programme are very approachable and part of their job is to make you feel welcomen, and comfortable about attending the programme.
If you find the idea of joining in at these sessions too difficult, no one will make you contribute.
Family and friends
But you will get much more out of the sessions if you come prepared to share your experiences, thoughts and opinions. If you would like to bring your partner, a family member or a friend with you to the course – they will be very welcome.
How do I attend?
There are online maps of DESMOND centres in the UK, and most provide specific booking systems. Patients can self-refer or be referred by their GP.
