Learn how to manage your Type 2 diabetes
If you have Type 2 diabetes, DESMOND can help you understand your condition and feel more confident managing it.
DESMOND stands for Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed.
It is designed for people who are:
- Newly diagnosed, or
- Living with diabetes for a year or more
About the programme
DESMOND is a friendly, supportive, one-day group course.
You can choose to attend:
- Face-to-face sessions, or
- Online (virtual) sessions from home
Both options cover the same information in a relaxed and confidential setting.
When it runs:
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- 9:30am to 4:00pm
Where courses are held
Face-to-face sessions take place at:
- Mid Ulster Hospital, Magherafelt
- Ballymoney Health Centre
- Moyle Hospital, Larne
A virtual session is provided at the same time, with the same content.
What you will learn
The course will help you:
- Understand Type 2 diabetes
- Learn about blood results and possible complications
- Monitor your blood glucose
- Make informed food choices (including carbohydrates and fats)
- Increase physical activity safely
- Set personal health goals
- Support your wellbeing and plan for future care
MyDESMOND (online support)
MyDESMOND is a free online learning tool you can use anytime.
It includes:
- Videos and interactive learning
- A step tracker
- “Ask the expert” support
- Online forums
You can access it on a computer, tablet or smartphone.
It is available 24/7, you can use it at your own pace, and you have lifetime access once registered
Important:
- You need to be referred before you can access MyDESMOND
- It is not available through app stores
To register, you will need:
- An email address
- Consent for data protection (managed by the DESMOND National Office)
How to book or refer
You can self-refer or ask a healthcare professional to refer you.
- Telephone: 028 2766 1478
- Email: DesmondDiabetesCourse@northerntrust.hscni.net
How to access the service
Healthcare professionals can refer you through the Clinical Communications Gateway or by using a referral form (with your consent and recent results).
Opening hours
Booking Office
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Useful resources
DESMOND (Type 2 Diabetes Education Programme)