Information about our education programme for adults with type 1 diabetes.

What is KAT1E?

KAT1E is a local educational course about living with type 1 diabetes. It helps you develop key skills and self-manage to suit your lifestyle choices.

How long is a KAT1E course?

KAT1E is a four-day course, held for one-day a week over four weeks.

You may need to take time off work or organise childcare to attend the course. Most employers understand and we can provide a letter to support your attendance, if needed.

How many people are on the KAT1E course?

Up to 10 people are invited to attend the course, which is in a relaxed and informal group setting. This allows time to share and listen to other people’s experiences of living with type 1 diabetes. A diabetes specialist nurse and diabetes specialist dietitian are present to support the course.

What will the sessions cover?

• Living with diabetes: Injection technique, all about insulins, blood glucose and ketone monitoring.
• Carbohydrate counting: Learn how to estimate the carbohydrate content of your meals and snacks.
• Adjusting insulin doses: Learn how to adjust your insulin with your meals, for physical activity and during illness.
• Hypoglycaemia: Recommended treatment and driving guidelines.
• Long-term health: How to develop effective relationships with healthcare professionals.
• Social aspects: Pregnancy, travel and driving.
• Your questions and answers.

The benefits of attending a KAT1E course may include:

• reduction in hypos
• potential for weight loss
• increased confidence in diabetes self-management
• improved wellbeing.

What is structured education?

Structured education is seen as part of routine diabetes care. The Government recommends that everyone with type 1 diabetes should have access to this type of education through the NHS.

Diabetes UK, the charity for people with diabetes, also recommends that all people with type 1 diabetes should receive the education and support they need to help manage their own diabetes on a day-to-day basis.

What other people said…

• “I really enjoyed the course and would recommend to anyone with type 1 diabetes.”
• “It was great to have the group discussions and hear how other people deal with their diabetes.”
• “I now have a better understanding, knowledge and the tools I need to manage my diabetes.”

How do I get a place on a KAT1E course?

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 course please visit www.diabetes-education-km.co.uk or contact the hub on 01233 228749 or diabetes.bookinghub@nhs.net.

Useful contacts

Diabetes UK
www.diabetes.org.uk

Expert Patients Programme
www.kentcht.nhs.uk/epp