We offer The LEEDS Programme (learning, empowering, enabling diabetes self-management) to anyone who has type 2 diabetes and is registered with a Leeds GP.

Diabetes is a lifelong health condition that occurs when the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body can’t use it properly.

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive, long-term medical condition. Managing type 2 diabetes involves lifestyle changes and treatment can be complex. The LEEDS Programme will improve your knowledge about your condition and help to give you the skills and motivation to take control and self-manage it. We see this as part of your ongoing treatment.

The LEEDS programme runs in various venues across the city throughout the year. There is a choice of a full-day session or 3 sessions lasting 2.5 hours over 3-weeks. These are run by a trained health professional. As well as being informative and educational, it is fun and interactive!

Topics include:

• ‘What is diabetes’, blood results, medications and their action.
• Healthy lifestyles including diet, exercise and alcohol.
• Keeping healthy (preventing complications) with a focus on individual goal setting.
• Sleep and stress.

The programme has been designed in line with national guidance for structured education, Diabetes UK recommendations and is QISMET approved (a national quality standard)

What can I expect from the programme?

The programme aims to increase knowledge and self management skills. You will have the opportunity to explore and get to grips with problems that you may have with your diabetes. We strongly recommend if you refer to 3-week session to attend all three sessions to get the most out of the programme. You can bring along a family member, carer or friend to support you.

Referral criteria

• Self referral: Contact us via telephone or email
• GPs
• Allied health professionals
• Carers and support workers