Today, on World Diabetes Day (Thursday 14 November), Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) proudly announces that people with type 2 diabetes can now self-refer to a training program to help manage their condition.
The MSE SWEET (South West Essex Education Training) course was previously accessible only through a GP referral. Allowing self-referral will provide people with an empowering step toward self-managing their diabetes.
Over the past year, more than 800 people have completed the course, with many others benefiting from an educational app or receiving an education pack.
The structured education course, held at least once a month at the Hawthorne Centre, Rochford Hospital, offers group face-to-face sessions specifically designed for those newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, living in Southend, Castle Point or Rochford.
Structured diabetes education is vital for effective management. Participation in these programmes helps individuals enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence, enabling them to integrate effective self-management practices into daily life, ultimately leading to improved quality of life.
Emma Day, Clinical Lead for Adult Diabetes Services, shared her enthusiasm:
“We are delighted to accept self-referrals for patients with type 2 diabetes. Making our course more accessible means that more people can feel empowered to manage their diabetes confidently, make healthier food choices and look after their wellbeing. The course is also a great opportunity for people to connect with others who have diabetes.
“If you’re supporting someone with diabetes, you’re also welcome to join them on a face-to-face course.”
To enrol in the course, please download the patient self-referral application form. Complete all sections and return it via email to [email protected], or by post to EPUT Adult Integrated Diabetes Service, Raphael House, Old Ship Lane, Rochford, SS4 1DD.
EPUT offers various programmes across Essex for individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. For more information, please visit the EPUT website.
About Diabetes
According to Diabetes UK, over 5.6 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, including an estimated one million who have type 2 diabetes but are not yet diagnosed.
There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2, and but there are also others, including gestational diabetes (which affects some women during pregnancy).
All types of diabetes have one thing in common – glucose (sugar) cannot reach the body’s cells properly and builds up in the blood.
In the long term, this can cause serious damage to the heart, eyes, feet and kidneys. However, people with diabetes can live well and reduce the risk of these complications with the right care and treatment.
Symptoms of diabetes include:
- Needing to urinate more often
- Being very thirsty
- Cuts are slow to heal
- Weight loss
- Feeling tired
- Blurred eyesight
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, speak to your GP.