DERIK
Last edited: 19/12/2022
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What is DERIK?
DERIK (Diabetes Education and Revision in Kent) is a structured education programme that has been designed to give you up to date information about living with type 2 diabetes.
The session aims to bring together people with type 2 diabetes, to give you an opportunity to share experiences about how well you can manage your diabetes on a day-to-day basis.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can still make insulin but not enough or when the insulin produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance).
The main aim of treatment is to reduce the risks of the long-term complications of diabetes such as heart attacks, stroke, amputation, blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage.
How can it help you?
By taking part in DERIK you will:
- learn new skills to manage your diabetes
- develop confidence in the daily management of your diabetes
- meet others and share similar experiences
- learn about developing more effective relationships with healthcare professionals.
What the session will cover
- What is diabetes? Including treatment choices and complications.
- Healthy eating: Making good food choices.
- Looking after your feet
- Activity: Why is it important?
- Setting goals: Do you want to make changes regarding your health?
- Your questions and answers.
This is a four hour session, offered in venues across Kent (excluding north Kent).
What is structured education?
DERIK is your local education programme that is offered in a friendly group setting.
The sessions are run by a team of healthcare professionals which may include diabetes specialist nurses, dietitians and podiatrists.
NHS guidelines now recommend that people with diabetes be offered a patient education programme at the time of diagnosis.
Diabetes UK, the charity for people with diabetes, also recommends that all people with diabetes should receive the education and support they need to help to manage their own diabetes.
Useful contacts
Diabetes UK
Expert Patients Programme
Visit www.kentcht.nhs.uk/epp
All referrals and booking are now managed via the Kent and Medway diabetes booking hub. You can self refer for this course, to register and book a
This information should only be followed on the advice of a healthcare professional.
Do you have feedback about our health services?
0800 030 4550
Text 07899 903499
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
kentchft.PALS@nhs.net
kentcht.nhs.uk/PALS
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Trinity House, 110-120 Upper Pemberton
Ashford
Kent
TN25 4AZ
Donate today, and help the NHS go above and beyond. Visit kentcht.nhs.uk/icare
If you need communication support or this information in another format, please ask a member of staff or contact us using the details above.
