Living with diabetes becomes a lifelong learning process once you're diagnosed. NHS guidelines now recommend that people with diabetes (Type 1 or 2) be offered patient education programmes, officially known as 'structured education'. Diabetes UK advocates that all people with diabetes, whether recently diagnosed or those with pre-existing diabetes should receive the structured education and support they need to enable them to manage their own diabetes.

Managing diabetes can be exceedingly demanding, often requiring you to make lots of lifestyle changes – for example stopping smoking, changing your diet and physical activity levels, taking medication and monitoring your blood glucose levels. It is imperative that you have the right information and skills to manage your diabetes.