X-PERT education for people with type 2 diabetes

NHS North East Essex has launched a new education programme (October 2007) to help people with type 2 diabetes self manage their condition, thanks to the kind donation of funds to purchase equipment from the Colchester Rotary Trinity Club and the local branch of Diabetes UK.

What is X-PERT?

The education programme, known as X-PERT, is aimed at people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and their partners and provides a structured education to empower people to self manage their disease.  It's designed to enhance and build upon the education patients receive from their practice nurse or GP at diagnosis, not to replace that vital education.

How does X-PERT work?

The programme has been designed in conjunction with patients and Diabetes UK.  It's a four-week group education programme based on the theories of patient empowerment and patient activation.  The programme has been shown to improve diabetes control, reduce diabetes medication, increase self-management skills and improve lifestyle and quality of life.

Patients learn about up-to-date treatments and management of diabetes and will have the opportunity to explore and address problems/issues that they have with their diabetes.

Participants are encouraged to set goals based on a five-step empowerment model.  Each X-PERT session uses visual aids to explore health issues related to diabetes and each participant receives a copy of their own health results with an explanation.

How can I access the X-PERT programme?

The programme is being delivered each week in Colchester, Harwich and Clacton.  If you are interested in attending, please contact:

Jill Pickard, Diabetes Team Secretary on 01255 206223