The HSE supports a number of group courses for people with type 2 diabetes. The courses can help you manage your diabetes and live a healthy life.
You can do diabetes support courses in person or online.
You are not alone if you are diagnosed with diabetes. There are about 225,000 people with diabetes in Ireland and the number is rising.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that you can learn to treat and manage yourself with your daily choices. Poorly managed diabetes can cause serious health problems if it is not looked after.
These free courses have lots of up-to-date information about many aspects of treating and living with your diabetes, including:
- healthy eating
- being active
- managing weight
- looking after your eyes, feet and overall health
- making changes
- medicines
Your doctor or diabetes team may recommend you take part in a course as part of your treatment.
The courses available to you will depend on your location. Courses vary in length and when and where they are delivered.
The type 2 diabetes courses are:
- DISCOVER diabetes
- DESMOND
- CODE (online only)
Book your place on a free course
You can book a place for the course that is available near you.
Places are given on a first come basis. You will be contacted with details of what is available as soon as possible.
Book your place on a course or call HSE Live on 1800 700 700 to get your local course booking phone number.
HSE Live opening hours
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday, 9am to 5pm
Sunday and bank holidays, closed
What to expect
These courses can help you manage your diabetes and live a healthy life.
Courses are:
- free
- suitable if you have been recently diagnosis with type 2 diabetes or lived with it for a long time
- delivered by healthcare professionals
- have up-to-date advice and support
- an opportunity to learn, ask questions and make plans to look after your diabetes
- an opportunity to meet other people with type 2 diabetes
- open for you to bring a family member, carer or friend for support
Friendly dietitians and nurses will create a safe place for you to learn. You can share experiences and learn from each other in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
You will get a free guide to take home.
You are welcome to ask any questions you have, or you can just sit and listen if you prefer.
DISCOVER DIABETES - type 2
DISCOVER stands for Diabetes Insights and Self Care Options via Education and Reflection.
DISCOVER is delivered by HSE dietitians as 4 weekly in-person sessions, or 6 online sessions and a follow-up session at 6 months and 12 months. This is an opportunity to revisit topics, provide new information, review health results and make plans.
DESMOND
DESMOND stands for Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed people. The sessions are run by HSE dietitians, diabetes nurses or other healthcare professionals.
DESMOND runs over 2 half-day sessions or as 1 full-day course with follow-up support at a later date.
CODE
CODE stands for Community Orientated Diabetes Education. CODE is delivered by a Diabetes Ireland nurse or dietitian. CODE runs over 3 weeks in 2-hour sessions with a follow-up session 6 months later. It is available online.
Help with online courses
If you are taking part in an online diabetes course that uses the 'Webex' video call platform, watch this short video. In the video dietitian Didi de Zwarte will describe how to use it.
How to prepare for your online course
Age Action
Age Action’s Getting Started is a free digital literacy programme, helping people aged 55 and older to get online, or use their smart device with confidence. You can contact them on 01 475 6989 or fill out this form
They can go through things like:
- setting up and using an email address
- using your smartphone
- downloading and using apps
- using the internet
- Video calling
Other courses
If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes and are interested in a support course ask your doctor or nurses about the Diabetes Prevention Programme. Your doctor can refer you to a programme running near you.
More information on pre-diabetes.
