Our structured education programme for people with Type 2 diabetes of South Asian background and lifestyle is available for field trials, and will shortly be introduced to the Type 2 ‘learning landscape’

The DoSA (Diabetes For South Asians) programme includes the following elements:

• A 12-week programme guided manual, divided into 2-week steps
• Home based learning programme, with 3 scheduled contacts with a trained DoSA Facilitator
• A colourful, practical manual with space to self-assess and log activity, eating patterns and the effects of changes
• Authentic cultural images and recommendations
• 2 practical, attractive and helpful companion leaflets, covering ‘healthy eating and cooking’ and ‘managing celebrations’. These contain vital information and helpful tips and advice on these topics, focusing on a: specifically South Asian lifestyle

DoSA has been fully developed, in conjunction with a panel of South Asian people with Type 2 diabetes, and is currently undergoing field trials in the London and Leicester areas. When these are complete, it will become available to CCGs and diabetes services, to complement the group education they offer.

DoSA is brought to the diabetes education by a collaboration including Successful Diabetes (writing and training), King’s College, London (original author Professor Jackie Sturt) and Spirit Healthcare original investor). We launched the DoSA on World Diabetes Day 2017.

The DoSA team is actively recruiting diabetes commissioners who wish to complete a field trial of DoSA. The cost of this is small, to cover the cost of the programme manuals, but the benefits large – to reach a section of the population with Type 2 diabetes who might otherwise miss out on structured education.

If you’re interested to find out more about DoSA, there is plenty of supporting literature here for you to download. We welcome you getting in touch with an enquiry or to explore hosting a DoSA field trial:

Here’s a taste of the DoSA and its companion leaflets!

The DoSA is designed to be appealing and culturally authentic. It’s full of recognisable images from everyday South Asian lifestyles, for example. Research suggests that such cultural portrayals help people to learn effectively.

The DoSA programme manual gives a great deal of information, but also comprises active, practical exercises, quizzes and self-assessments, to help people reflect on their health and plan to make beneficial changes.

Each 2-week stage is carefully introduced at the start, so people following the programme know exactly what to expect and where the focus will be. The stages complement and build on each other, giving a sense of progress and achievement

The DoSA companion leaflets are highly practical, colourful and extremely relevant to these two important aspects of life. The short, relevant sections, tips and recommendations are designed to make healthy changes and attentive care of Type 2 diabetes both easy and possible, while still maintaining a South Asian lifestyle and culture. The companion leaflets are easily portable, for quick reference and reminders.