Do you need a referral for diabetes education programme?

Diabetes education can help you understand glucose monitoring, medicines, food choices, activity, and how to respond to changes in your readings. Programmes may be delivered by a diabetes educator, dietitian, nurse, doctor, or a coordinated team. Some services accept direct bookings, while others ask for a referral from a family doctor or diabetes specialist so the sessions match your diagnosis, medicines, and goals.

Contact the programme or clinic and ask whether self-booking is available. Have your medication list, recent glucose readings, and any questions ready. If a referral is required, ask your family doctor or diabetes clinician to include the areas where you need practical support, such as meal planning, injection technique, or recognising low glucose. You can read more about the service on the Diabetes Education Programme page.

Seek prompt medical advice if you have repeated very high or low glucose readings, vomiting, confusion, severe weakness, or difficulty staying awake. Education supports day-to-day self-management, but urgent symptoms need clinical assessment. Do not delay prescribed treatment while arranging a programme.

Could this programme help with my current diabetes goals? Do I need a referral, and what information should it contain? Which readings or symptoms should make me contact the clinic sooner?