We offer education programmes to help you understand your diabetes and manage it with confidence.
Type 1 diabetes education (DAFNE)
DAFNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating) is a structured course for people with Type 1 diabetes.
It helps you:
- Adjust your insulin to match what you eat
- Manage your blood glucose levels more effectively
- Build confidence in day-to-day diabetes care
Courses are held at different locations across the Trust and run several times throughout the year.
Read more about DAFNE
Type 2 diabetes education (DESMOND)
DESMOND (Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed) is a structured course for people with Type 2 diabetes.
It will help you:
- Understand what causes diabetes
- Learn how to manage your condition
- Understand your blood results
- Make changes to your diet and lifestyle
- Set personal goals to improve your health
The aim is to help you stay well and reduce the risk of complications.
How the course is delivered
DESMOND is flexible and can be completed in different ways, depending on what suits you.
One option is MyDESMOND, an online learning programme you can use at home on a computer, phone or tablet.
You can work through it at your own pace.
To register for MyDESMOND, you will need:
- Your Health and Care number
- Your GP practice details
- Your email address
Referral and booking
You can self-refer to DESMOND and discuss the best option for you.
- Telephone: 028 2766 1478
More information about the programme (DESMOND).
Foot care (podiatry)
We provide podiatry clinics across the Trust to help care for your feet.
In the Causeway and Mid Ulster areas, we offer an Enhanced Foot Protection Service.
If a patient with diabetes has an urgent foot problem (such as a foot ulcer), you are seen within 24–48 hours
- Telephone: 028 7034 7070 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm)
Find out more about Northern Trust Podiatry Services.
Dietary advice
Dietitians provide advice on healthy eating to help you manage your diabetes.
- Clinics are held at different locations
- A dietitian is available at consultant-led diabetes clinics
Find out more about the Diabetes Dietetics.
Psychology support
Living with diabetes can be challenging. Our psychology service offers support if you are struggling to manage your condition.
You can be referred by:
- Your GP
- Any member of your diabetes care team
Read more about Clinical Health Psychology Services.
Emergency care and support (ambulance service)
We work closely with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to support people who experience low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).
This includes:
- Follow-up advice
- Support to help prevent future emergencies
- Helping avoid hospital admission where possible
Insulin pumps and glucose monitoring
We offer specialist clinics for insulin pump therapy in Whiteabbey, Ballymena and Causeway.
We also provide access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to help you track your blood sugar levels and identify any issues early.