Type 2 diabetes (east Surrey)

Our service can help people with type 2 diabetes by providing them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their diabetes effectively to improve health and reduce the risk of long-term problems associated with type 2 diabetes.

We offer diabetes education in groups (DESMOND course) and individual dietetic consultation.

What is the DESMOND course?

DESMOND stands for Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed. The course covers:

Understanding diabetes and glucose: What happens in the body
Understanding the risk factors and complications associated with diabetes
Understanding more about monitoring and medication
How to take control - Food Choices - Physical Activity
Planning for the future.

The DESMOND course provides type 2 diabetes education for adults with a GP in east Surrey. You can either book onto a day course or access the self-paced My DESMOND course online. You can be referred by your GP, practice nurse or contact the team via fchc.firstdietitians@nhs.net to obtain a self-referral form.

Where will the course take place?

DESMOND group courses are held at venues in Horley, Reigate, Merstham and Caterham. The day course is relaxed and interactive, run by two educators, from 9.30am - 4.30pm. Up to ten people can attend each course.

My DESMOND is the online course and this is accessed independently. We can provide you with an access code once we have received your consent to add your details.

For more information about the DESMOND course please visit: https://www.desmond.nhs.uk/modules-posts/newly-diagnosed-and-foundation

How to book onto a DESMOND course

You must be registered with an east Surrey GP to self-refer.

Please contact the team by email at fchc.firstdietitians@nhs.net or by phone on 01737 777701 to request a referral form.

Your GP or practice nurse can also refer you.

What happens once a referral is received?

You will receive a letter with information about the choice of education options available.

You will need to contact the department by email or phone to book onto a course date that suits you or be provided with access to the online course.

If we are unable to accept your referral for any reason you will receive a letter to inform you of this.

What can be offered if it is not possible to attend a course or access online education?

The dietitians can provide individualised dietetic advice for people living with type 2 diabetes. This can be in a clinic, by video call or telephone consultation.

Frequently asked questions?

Is a whole day worth it? Come and find out! Participants recommend this course to family and friends.

The course can help people answer many questions such as:

What can I eat?
What can I eat more of?
What do the blood test numbers mean? Which numbers do I need to know?
I do not feel any different - why does this matter?
Can I put diabetes into remission?
What can I do if I want to reduce my glucose/ cholesterol/ blood pressure/ waist measurement?