3.4 Identify sources of support for developing self-care skills

This guide will help you answer 3.4 Identify sources of support for developing self-care skills.

Self-care skills for diabetes are the daily habits and actions that help a person manage their condition. These skills help to keep blood glucose levels within a safe range, reduce the chance of complications and improve overall wellbeing.

Examples of self-care skills include:

• Checking blood glucose levels
• Taking medications or insulin as prescribed
• Making healthy food choices
• Staying active and exercising safely
• Looking after feet and skin
• Managing stress and emotional wellbeing

People with diabetes may find some skills hard to learn at first. They may need extra help from trained professionals, organisations, and peer support groups.

Good self-care can help prevent problems such as heart disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, eye conditions, and slow wound healing.

Importance of Support for Developing Self-care Skills

Support helps people gain confidence in managing their diabetes. It gives them trustworthy advice, encouragement, and the chance to ask questions.

With proper support, a person can:

• Learn safe and effective techniques
• Understand how daily choices affect their condition
• Create routines that work for their lifestyle
• Adapt to changes in health or medication
• Feel reassured that they are managing their condition correctly

Without support, a person may feel unsure or isolated. This can lead to missed treatments, poor diet choices or ignoring symptoms that need urgent attention.

Sources of Support from Health and Social Care Professionals

There are many health and social care professionals who can support a person with diabetes. Each has a different role and expertise.

GP (General Practitioner)
A GP can diagnose diabetes, prescribe medication, monitor progress and refer to other services. They offer advice on managing the condition day to day.

Diabetes Specialist Nurse (DSN)
These nurses have extra training in diabetes care. They help with insulin management, blood glucose monitoring and lifestyle changes. They can provide one-to-one or group education sessions.

Dietitian
A dietitian can design a food plan that keeps blood glucose stable. They help with portion sizes, reading food labels and making swaps to healthier options.

Podiatrist
A podiatrist checks and treats feet. People with diabetes are at risk of foot problems due to reduced sensation and slow healing. Regular foot checks can prevent infections and serious complications.

Pharmacist
A pharmacist can answer questions about medicines, explain side effects, and show how to use devices like insulin pens.

Social Worker
A social worker can help with access to benefits, care plans and community resources. They can also connect clients with services that support independent living.

Community Nurse
Community nurses can visit clients at home and provide education, wound care and support for more complex health needs.

Structured Education Programmes

In the UK, the NHS offers free diabetes education courses. These are designed to give people the knowledge and skills they need to manage their condition.

Examples include:

• DESMOND – for people with type 2 diabetes. covers diet, exercise, medication, emotional wellbeing, and understanding blood glucose levels.
• DAFNE – for people with type 1 diabetes. teaches carbohydrate counting, insulin adjustment, and how to manage diabetes during illness, exercise or social events.

Structured education gives practical skills and the chance to meet others with the same condition. Learning in a group can help people feel less alone and more understood.

Voluntary and Charitable Organisations

There are charities and voluntary groups across the UK supporting people with diabetes.

Diabetes UK
Offers a helpline, online resources, local support groups and printed information. They run awareness campaigns and fund research into better treatments.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
Supports people with type 1 diabetes and their families. They provide resources for children and young people and organise events to connect families.

Local Diabetes Support Groups
Often run by volunteers. These groups offer social activities, guest speakers, and the chance to share experiences in a safe environment.

Charities can help in ways that go beyond medical care, such as emotional support, practical tips, and helping people feel part of a community.

Online Resources and Digital Support

Many people use the internet for information and support about diabetes. It is important to use reliable sources.

Good examples are:

• NHS website
• Diabetes UK website
• MyDiabetesMyWay online platform
• Blood glucose tracking apps approved by the NHS

Some GP practices and hospitals also offer online portals where patients can see their test results, book appointments, and message their healthcare team.

Social media groups can offer peer advice and encouragement, but medical information shared by other patients should always be checked with a healthcare professional.

Family and Friends

Support from family and friends can make a big difference.

They can:

• Remind about medication schedules
• Learn how to help in emergencies such as hypoglycaemia
• Encourage healthy eating and shared physical activities
• Offer emotional support during difficult times

It can be helpful for family members to attend education sessions or appointments so they understand the condition and how to help.

Workplace Support

For people in employment, workplace support can help them manage their diabetes effectively during working hours.

Managers and colleagues should be aware of the person’s needs, such as:

• Time for blood glucose testing
• Breaks for snacks or meals
• Safe storage for insulin
• Flexibility for medical appointments

Occupational health services can assess workplace adjustments and make recommendations.

Practical Community Support Services

Community-based services may include:

• Exercise referral schemes run by local councils
• Healthy cooking classes
• Walking groups or other physical activity groups
• Transport to healthcare appointments for those unable to drive

These services can help people stay active, meet others, and maintain the daily habits that support diabetes self-care.

Peer Mentoring

Some areas offer peer mentor schemes. A person with well-managed diabetes gives one-to-one support to someone learning to manage their condition.

Benefits include:

• Real-life advice from someone who understands the challenges
• Encouragement during setbacks
• Sharing practical tips learned through experience

This type of support can build confidence and encourage learning through personal connection.

Education for Young People with Diabetes

Children and young people with diabetes need support that fits their age and development.

Paediatric diabetes teams often include:

• Paediatricians
• Specialist nurses
• Dietitians
• Psychologists

Support might include school visits, age-appropriate education and help for parents, carers and teachers on managing diabetes in the school environment.

Mental Health Support

Managing diabetes can affect mood, mental health and motivation. Support can come from psychologists, counsellors, and mental health nurses.

Types of support:

• Talking therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
• Support for low mood or anxiety
• Group sessions for coping strategies

Maintaining mental health makes daily self-care more achievable.

Pharmacological Support

Pharmacologists, pharmacists and prescribing nurses ensure correct medication use. Support may include:

• Explaining correct insulin injection techniques
• Teaching safe storage of medication
• Helping to avoid missed doses
• Adjusting medication as health needs change

Education on side effects supports safe use and early action if problems occur.

Cultural and Language Support

Language barriers or cultural differences can affect self-care learning. Interpreters, translated materials, and culturally sensitive dietary advice can help.

Faith and community leaders may also be supportive in encouraging lifestyle changes that fit cultural expectations.

Financial Support and Advice Services

Some people with diabetes face costs for special foods, medical supplies, or transport. Financial advice services can help with:

• Applying for benefits
• Accessing grants
• Reducing prescription costs (some people qualify for free prescriptions)

These services can reduce stress and allow focus on health.

Creating a Personalised Support Network

Every person with diabetes can benefit from combining different types of support depending on their needs.

Steps to build a strong support network:

• Identify areas that are most challenging
• Speak to the GP or specialist about available services
• Join local or online support groups
• Involve family members
• Arrange regular reviews to adjust support if needs change

This approach makes sure that help is ongoing and adapts as life circumstances shift.

Final Thoughts

Developing self-care skills for diabetes is a lifelong process. People may need different types of help at different stages. Accessing a wide range of support increases the chances of keeping diabetes well managed and avoiding complications.

By using professionals, community resources, charities, online tools, and personal networks, a person can feel informed, confident, and supported. The aim is to give people the knowledge, skills, and encouragement to take control of their health and live full and active lives.