Services
Community Diabetes Service
The community diabetes service is made up of a team of specialist nurses, dietitians and diabetes educators/facilitators.
Who we are
We support people with type 2 diabetes in managing their condition to the best of their ability. We provide diabetes information sessions and support from a specialist clinical team.
Contact us
Southgate Moorings
2 Kimbrose Way
Gloucester
GL1 2DB
Call: 0300 421 8163
Email: CommDiabetesTeam@ghc.nhs.uk
An Introduction to Diabetes Structured Education
Patient information sessions
Learning how to manage your diabetes can make a big difference to your long‑term health. We recommend everyone diagnosed with type 2 diabetes attends an information session.
These sessions help you understand your condition and give you the confidence to manage it day‑to‑day.
Our information sessions are led by a Diabetes Specialist. You can choose to attend a face‑to‑face group session at a local venue (lasting two to three hours) or join an online session on Microsoft Teams, we also offer evening online Microsoft Teams sessions.
The online daytime course is split into two shorter sessions, each lasting around 90 minutes, to make it easier to fit into your day. Please make sure you book both parts.
You can refer yourself using the form on this page. We suggest attending the sessions in the following order: Diabetes and You, followed by Diabetes, Food and You, then Diabetes, Insulin and You.
Diabetes and You
This exciting session is for anyone managing Type 2 Diabetes, regardless of the length of diagnosis. We also encourage carers or family members to join us as they play a vital role in supporting the person to successfully manage their condition. During the session, patients will have the opportunity to meet with other people who have Type 2 Diabetes and ask questions. Topics include what diabetes is and what’s happening to our bodies, diabetes risk factors, how to manage hypos, understanding the potential complications and most importantly how to lead a happy, healthy life!
Diabetes, Food and You
This session is led by a Registered Nutritionist who will be able to answer questions and bust common myths around diabetes and food, such as: What foods should I be eating? What foods should I avoid? Is there a ‘diabetes diet’ I should be following? Etc. This session will build upon the knowledge gained from ‘Diabetes & You’ so it’s important to attend that session first. Topics include understanding what a healthy and balanced diet means, what benefits do we get from each food group, why it’s important to understand carbohydrates and sugars plus much more!
We strongly recommend attending the Diabetes and You session before attending this one.
Diabetes, Insulin and You
This education group is aimed at people who are new to using insulin. The sessions are led by a diabetes specialist nurse who will introduce the different types of insulin, why it’s required to support someone’s diabetes management and how to safely prep and use an insulin pen. This session is open to any family members or carers who want to learn how to confidently support someone taking insulin.
We strongly recommend attending the Diabetes and You session before attending this one.
Patients interested in attending these information sessions are encouraged to self-refer by filling in the referral form above. However, if you are referring for the information sessions on behalf of the patient (i.e. as a GP, Practice Nurse or other Clinician/Support Service), please follow this link to the Primary Care Referral Form and return to the team by email or post:
Email: CommDiabetesTeam@ghc.nhs.uk
Post: Southgate Moorings, 2 Kimbrose Way, Gloucester GL1 2DB
Frequently asked questions
Why should I attend a diabetes information session?
Having diabetes doesn’t have to rule your life. It can feel overwhelming at times, no matter how long since your diagnosis, you can benefit from support and information.
Our sessions are friendly, informal and easy to join – either in person or online. Coming to our sessions will help you manage your diabetes, so it’s easier to live with and reduce your risk of developing longer term complications.
Many people who attend our information sessions tell us they feel more confident about managing their diabetes. If you are supporting someone with diabetes, you are also welcome to attend.
What happens after the diabetes information session?
We will send a letter to your GP to let them know that you have attended. If you would like ongoing support or guidance there are several online platforms to explore and sign up to for free, including
- Diabetes UK’s free Learning Zone
- Healthy Living UK is a free, online NHS programme that supports people to live well with type 2 diabetes.
What can I eat?
Eating well and being more active can help lower your blood glucose (sugar) levels, make your diabetes easier to manage and reduce the risk of longer-term problems.
Our Diabetes, Food and You session will give you up-to-date, practical information on eating well with diabetes, and you will have plenty of time to ask questions and get advice that’s right for you.
If you would like more information about eating well with diabetes we would recommend you visit the Diabetes UK website: Diabetes UK – Eating with diabetes
Should I be concerned about my weight?
Not everyone needs to worry about their weight. However, we know that living with excess weight or obesity can increase the risk of diabetes and other health problems – especially those carrying excess fat around the tummy.
Your waist measurement should be no more than half your height (Please note: the waist‑to‑height calculator shouldn’t be used if your BMI is over 35.) More information on waist measurement can be found here: NHS Calculate your waist to height ratio.
Losing even a small amount of weight (around 5-10% of your body weight) can help improve your blood glucose levels. However, it is also important not to become underweight, as this can be unhealthy too.
To check whether you’re within a healthy weight range, you can use the NHS BMI checker: NHS Calculate your body mass index (BMI) for adults.
Is type 2 a mild form of diabetes?
This is not true – type 2 diabetes is a serious, long-term condition. The good news is that learning more about it can make a big difference. Our information sessions are designed to help you feel more confident and give you the knowledge you need to become an expert in control of your diabetes.
These sessions give you the practical skills and knowledge you need to help you manage your condition day-to-day. Your doctor and practice nurse will be able to provide you with advice and support, but most of your care will be provided by you.
You may be referred to us because:
- Your long-term blood glucose control is too high
- You might need new medication
- You may be having regular low blood glucose (hypos)
- You may need dietary advice.
We provide clinics in the community, at home and in GP surgeries.
If you require support from our Specialist Clinical Team (this includes our Specialist Nurses or Dietitians), a referral will need to be made by your GP or Practice Nurse, please contact them to discuss your request and initiate the referral.
Our administrators would be happy to answer any questions you may have prior to deciding if a referral to the clinical team is needed, please give us a call on 0300 421 8163 or 0300 421 8137.
Remember, all of our patient information sessions are available via self-referral. Please see above for more details.