Diabetes Education Engagement

Engagement findings

The Structured Diabetes Education (SDE) has now ended. Thank you to all those who took part. The full report is now available at the bottom of this page detailing the findings.

The 6-week public engagement exercise commenced January 2025, aimed to seek the views of those living with type 2 diabetes, their family, friends, carers as well as health professionals, as we work to improve structured diabetes education across Greater Manchester.

We carried out targeting engagement with different communities through an online survey, which was available in the 10 most read languages across Greater Manchester.

We produced 2000 information postcards which were displayed in GP practices and other public buildings and printed advertisements were placed in local all local newspapers, across Greater Manchester.

We also carried out a social media campaigns, which featured an animated film and a call-to-action film, featuring a GP.

We were particularly interested to hear from people from some underrepresented communities who are a much greater risk of developing diabetes, including:

·      South Asian communities

·      Black African Caribbean communities

·      People with learning disabilities.

Over 400 people engaged with NHS Greater Manchester in a variety of ways, including: focus groups, community group workshops, online survey and at pop-up stalls across Greater Manchester. 

Key findings

·       Structured diabetes education is welcomed to help those living with type 2 diabetes understand their condition and manage it effectively.

·       ​More awareness is required to promote what is on offer.

·       The referral process needs to be improved to be more inclusive. 

·       ​More accessible courses are key to increasing attendance and participation. 

·       ​Bespoke courses are required, for certain communities at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

·       ​Session facilitators should represent audiences, where possible 

·       ​A varied offer of both online and face-to-face sessions would be beneficial. 

·       ​Education sessions should be hosted in community settings, with established groups.

·       ​Dietary information needs to be specific to the audience and sensitive to different cultural practices and beliefs.

·       Refresher course would be beneficial at different intervals.

·       The referral pathway and communication between professionals and providers needs to improve, to ensure the patients access timely education sessions.

Recommendations to Commissioners

There are a number of key issues that have emerged from the public engagement, for the commissioners to consider.

·      Structured diabetes education is an essential service to assist those with type 2 diabetes to understand and manage their condition effectively, but firstly the referral process needs to be improved to ensure that all those who are eligible receive an invitation to attend. 

·      Although it’s clear that the current delivery model works for some, and a combination of face-to-face sessions would work for different people, a one-sized fits all approach is ineffective and serious consideration needs to be given towards course content, which should reflect the gaps in skills and knowledge for different people.

·      There is clearly an appetite from different communities and groups to be involved in co-designing education packages, which better reflect the needs of different communities, especially those identified to have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

·      Any face-face courses should be delivered by diabetes specialists, accompanied by supporting literature in a variety of different languages and formats.

·      A more culturally and demographically competent offer could help increase uptake in SDE, which would help those living with type 2 diabetes to manage their condition more effectively. This could also reduce reliance on primary and secondary care and reduce the need for treatment for health complications linked to the condition.

Progress, so far

It has been acknowledged by commissioners that structured diabetes education needs to be more accessible so that all users of the service can access, participate and learn. It’s also important that supporting information is also in the right format.

A draft plan has been drawn up which includes offers a number of different training sessions designed to meet the needs of people who may have additional support needs and that materials are made available in other formats, such as easy read and in different languages.

Further Information

To read more see the full report or summary report.

All documents can be found below and are downloadable.

If you wish to contact us to request this in alternative languages/formats, please do so by contacting us via our phone number or WhatsApp 07786673762 or email us gmhscp.engagement@nhs.net