What is DESMOND for Diabetes?

DESMOND stands for Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed. It is a nationally recognised structured education programme developed in the UK for people with type 2 diabetes. The programme supports people who have recently been diagnosed, though it is also open to those who have been living with the condition for some time and want updated information about managing their health.

DESMOND is based on the principle that better awareness, information and confidence lead to better control of diabetes. The programme is delivered in group sessions facilitated by trained educators, usually healthcare professionals such as nurses or dietitians. These sessions follow an evidence-based curriculum that is approved by the NHS.

Who the Programme is For

DESMOND is aimed at adults over the age of 18 who have type 2 diabetes. In most cases, people are referred by their GP or diabetes care team soon after diagnosis. Many NHS trusts offer DESMOND as part of their diabetes care pathway.

It can also be helpful for people who have had diabetes for several years but may need to refresh their knowledge or improve their self-management skills. The sessions bring together individuals at different stages of living with type 2 diabetes, which allows people to share their experiences and learn from each other.

The Structure of DESMOND

DESMOND is usually delivered as either:

• A one-day programme (usually six hours)
• Two half-day sessions (three hours each)

The format allows flexibility for both participants and providers. The group setting generally includes six to ten participants to encourage discussion but keep the group small enough for individual attention.

Educators use interactive methods to help people engage with the information, such as group discussions, problem-solving exercises and visual aids. The focus is on practical steps that fit into everyday life, rather than medical jargon.

Main Aims of DESMOND

The DESMOND programme aims to:

• Help people understand what type 2 diabetes is and how it affects the body
• Increase confidence in managing the condition through lifestyle and medication
• Support people to make informed choices about their diet, activity and self-care
• Reduce the risk of complications by improving blood glucose control and overall health
• Provide a supportive environment where people can share experiences

The emphasis is on giving people the knowledge and skills they need to manage their condition on a day-to-day basis, outside of medical appointments.

What Participants Learn

The content of DESMOND covers a wide range of practical and informative topics. These typically include:

• What type 2 diabetes is and the role of insulin in the body
• How lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity can affect blood glucose levels
• How to monitor and interpret blood glucose readings, if recommended
• The impact of weight, stress and smoking on diabetes control
• Understanding the long-term health risks and complications linked to type 2 diabetes
• How medications work and why they may be needed
• Problem-solving skills for managing diabetes in different situations

The course is not about strict rules. It helps participants understand the effects of different choices so they can decide what works for their own lifestyle.

The Educational Approach

The teaching style in DESMOND is interactive. Instead of lecturing, educators encourage participants to share their own experiences and challenges. This creates a conversational and supportive style of learning.

Some examples of how information is shared in DESMOND include:

• Visual models showing how glucose and insulin work in the body
• Illustrations of the effects of different foods on blood sugar
• Goal-setting exercises that focus on achievable changes
• Discussion about real-life situations such as eating out, holidays or family gatherings

By using relatable examples, participants can link the knowledge to their own lives.

Evidence Base and NHS Support

DESMOND is backed by strong clinical evidence. Research has found that people who complete the programme often see improvements in weight, smoking cessation rates, physical activity levels, and motivation to self-manage. Some also experience improved blood glucose levels.

The curriculum is updated regularly in line with national guidelines such as those from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). This means the content reflects current best practice in diabetes care.

The NHS offers DESMOND in many parts of the UK because structured education is recommended for all people with type 2 diabetes. It is part of the approach to give people the tools to manage their health without relying solely on medical appointments.

Support After DESMOND

After attending DESMOND, participants are encouraged to keep using what they have learned and to keep reviewing their health goals. While DESMOND is often a one-off programme, some local areas provide follow-up sessions or refresher courses.

Participants are also directed to resources, support groups or online tools that can help maintain motivation over time. The aim is for people to make steady, realistic changes that last, rather than short bursts of effort.

Benefits for Health and Social Care

From a health and social care perspective, DESMOND delivers benefits both to individuals and to the wider system.

For the individual:

• Greater confidence in managing diabetes and making daily decisions
• Increased motivation to maintain healthy habits
• Awareness of how to prevent complications, leading to a better quality of life
• Access to peer support and shared experiences during the sessions

For the health and social care system:

• Fewer complications such as foot ulcers or cardiovascular problems, which can reduce the need for hospital admissions
• More efficient use of GP and nurse appointments as people become more self-sufficient in managing aspects of their condition
• Improved communication between patients and healthcare providers, as both speak from a shared understanding of the condition and its management

The Role of Trained Educators

Educators play an important part in how DESMOND is delivered. They are trained to use the DESMOND curriculum and to lead group discussions. They listen to participants without judgement and help them think through the pros and cons of different choices.

The educator’s role is not to tell people what they must do, but to guide discussion, clarify information, and encourage practical problem-solving. This approach respects the fact that everyone’s life and health priorities are different.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Many areas offer DESMOND in multiple languages or formats to suit people’s needs. For example, some groups are designed for people who have hearing loss, while others take cultural dietary practices into account when discussing food choices.

There are also online versions or remote group formats in some areas, so more people can attend without needing to travel.

Removing barriers to access means that more people can benefit from the programme, regardless of location, language, or health status.

Measuring Outcomes

DESMOND courses often collect feedback from participants to track improvements in knowledge, lifestyle habits and confidence levels. Some programmes also monitor changes in weight, BMI, and HbA1c (a measure of long-term blood glucose control).

These outcomes help healthcare providers understand which areas are most effective and where further support might be needed.

Practical Examples of Content from DESMOND

A person attending the programme might:

• Learn how a portion of chips can affect their blood sugar differently from a portion of boiled potatoes
• Work out a 15-minute daily walking plan that fits into their lunch break
• Discuss strategies for making healthier food choices at family events
• Understand why some people with type 2 diabetes might need medication and others might not
• Learn the signs of high or low blood sugar and what actions to take

These practical examples help connect the science of diabetes with day-to-day living.

Final Thoughts

DESMOND is a well-established and respected education programme for adults with type 2 diabetes in the UK. It gives people the space, time and expert support to understand their condition and make informed decisions about their health. It bridges the gap between medical advice and everyday life by giving people the skills to self-manage in a way that works for them.

By helping people gain practical knowledge, DESMOND can improve individual well-being while reducing pressure on the health and social care system. The group setting offers social support, and the focus on realistic, personalised goals encourages changes that last. For many people, it marks the point at which they feel more in control of their diabetes rather than the other way around.