People with type 2 diabetes who are unable to attend face to face or virtual education sessions can now get support thanks to an online app.
Our diabetes service can now give patients a code to access an app which links them to all the advice and support they would get from other sessions, such as in person or online, to help them manage their condition over a 2 year period.
The app takes the person through to the Leicester Diabetes Centre, part of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, which presents the online version of the award-winning DESMOND self-management diabetes education, myDesmond.
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.
myDesmond brings together the content and research evidence from the NICE approved face-to-face DESMOND self-management programmes to a portable interactive web-based platform to support people in managing their diabetes.
Juliet Thayan, CityCare Community Diabetes Specialist Nurse and Desmond Lead said: ”This app is a great way for people who cannot attend face to face or on line sessions to get the advice and support they need. One in 10 people will get type 2 diabetes so many people are at risk. Education is the key thing and this app can help people to identify the risks and hopefully avoid complications related to type 2 diabetes.
“This new option is extremely worthwhile and we are delighted to be involved in the project to signpost people who would otherwise be unable to access help to services which could make a huge difference to their lives.
Diabetes facts and figures
- More than 4.9 million people in the UK have diabetes
- 13.6 million people are now at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the UK
- You're more at risk of type 2 diabetes if you have a close family member who has (or had) diabetes
- An estimated 850,000 people are currently living with type 2 diabetes but are yet to be diagnosed
- Research has consistently shown that for some people, combined lifestyle interventions - including diet, physical activity and sustained weight loss - can be effective in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes by about 50%
- Type 2 diabetes can lead to a number of complications such as heart disease, chronic kidney disease, nerve damage, and other problems with feet, oral health, vision, hearing, and mental health
- Diabetes can go into remission. Diabetes remission is when the HBA1C level is below 48mmols without being on medication. This is a positive thing as it lowers the increased risk of complications. However, routine blood test is still recommended to ensure that things continue to be under control.
For more information about DESMOND , click here DESMOND - Diabetes Education and Self Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed
Date published: 17 February 2023
