Take Control of your Type 2 Diabetes

EMPOWER is a structured diabetes education course designed to help people living with diabetes to manage their condition more effective

Structured diabetes education for people living with Type 2 diabetes

Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board (ICB) is offering structured diabetes education (SDE) for people living with Type 2 diabetes.

What is EMPOWER?

EMPOWER is delivered nationally by Spirit Health and is a QISMET- accredited diabetes education programme that follows NICE criteria. The programme consists of a single, interactive, and intuitive four-hour session. It is designed to help individuals better understand diabetes, how it affects the body, and how small, achievable changes to diet and daily habits can improve their condition.

A general course is available for people with Type 2 diabetes, as well as a tailored programme specifically for 18-39 year olds with early onset diabetes. The 18-39 programme covers key topics such as managing diabetes alongside work, travel, and planning for pregnancy. <<add Empower video, download here.>>

Why refer your patients for EMPOWER?

· Proven clinical outcomes, including a 16.4% relative reduction in HbA1c¹

· Improved blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure, helping to reduce the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease²

· 19.4% of patients needed fewer medicines 12 months after the programme2.

· 50% patient uptake rate³ - significantly higher than the national average

· 98.8% Friends and Family Test score⁴

· A single 4-hour session - with excellent patient feedback. See a patient’s experience here.

How is the education delivered?

The course is delivered by a trained educator to a group of participants, either in person or via video. There is also a self-learning online option, which can be completed within 4 weeks.

Group sessions with an educator are available during the day, in the evenings, and at weekends. Sessions are also offered in a range of languages, including Urdu, Gujarati, Hindi, and British Sign Language.

A dedicated booking team provides step-by-step support to help patients book and access the programme.

Who can you refer?

EMPOWER is available to patients who are:

· Aged 18 and over

· Registered with a GP in Surrey Downs

· Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes

Easy Referral

All practices should have access to a referral form, allowing you to easily refer your patients to the programme. Patients can also self-refer by calling 0800 852 7460 or emailing Spirit.empower.sd@nhs.net

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Published on 8 October 2025