The Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed (DESMOND) Programme. 

The Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed (DESMOND) Programme is a great opportunity to find out more about diabetes, share experiences with others, and ask questions.

The programme is designed to support people with type 2 diabetes to understand their condition, make informed choices, self-manage effectively, and improve overall health.

Why join DESMOND?

  • Learn practical skills to manage your diabetes
  • Understand how food, exercise, and lifestyle affect your blood glucose
  • Gain confidence in day-to-day management
  • Receive ongoing support from trained educators
  • Receive diabetes resources including a booklet and leaflets.

What the course covers

  • Welcome and introductions
  • Sharing your diabetes story
  • Understanding Type 2 diabetes and glucose: how the body regulates it, causes, symptoms, treatments, and day-to-day management
  • Monitoring Type 2 diabetes
  • Food and glucose control – how carbohydrate containing foods affect blood glucose
  • Long term effects of Type 2 diabetes
  • Physical activity and its benefits
  • Food and health, with a focus on fats and healthier choices
  • Developing your personal self-management plan
  • Questions and planning future care.

Course format options:

Face-to-Face DESMOND

  • Full 6-hour course in person
  • Includes 2 refreshment breaks and 1 lunch break (tea/coffee/water provided; bring your own lunch)

Online DESMOND

  • 3 hours over 2 days via Microsoft Teams (link sent with instructions)

MyDESMOND is a self-directed online platform for those who prefer learning at their own pace or feel uncomfortable in group settings.

  • Education content – videos, quizzes, interactive materials
  • Ask the expert – support from the Leicester Diabetes Centre team
  • Activity tracking – connect Fitbit, Garmin, or Google Fit
  • Health tracking – monitor weight, blood pressure, HbA1c, diet, cholesterol
  • Goal setting – daily and long-term goals
  • Challenges – track progress against others
  • Chat forum – communicate with other members
  • Buddies – invite friends or family.

How to join DESMOND

Please ask your GP practice to refer you to the CLCH diabetes team. Once you have received a text message regarding your referral, please contact the service below.

If you are registered with a Brent GP, contact:

  • Team: Brent Diabetes Team
  • Telephone: 0208 102 3456
  • Email: clcht.brentdiabetes@nhs.net
  • Available Times: Monday to Friday, 09:00–16:30

If you are registered with a Harrow GP, contact:

  • Team: Harrow Diabetes Team
  • Telephone: 07881002743 / Single Point of Access (SPA) 0300 555 8889, Option 4
  • Email: clcht.desmonddiabetes@nhs.net
  • Available Times: Monday to Friday, 09:00–16:30

Useful resources to prepare you for DESMOND