*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Doing A Type 1 Diabetes Course

Diabetes courses are encouraged for everyone with type 1 diabetes. It does not matter how long you have had diabetes.

Evidence shows people who have been on a course have more stable blood sugar levels and fewer complications.

Many people who have attended these courses describe them as "life changing".

There are different ways to do a course. There are benefits whatever way you choose to learn, and courses are free.

You should be offered a place on a face-to-face course within 1 year of being diagnosed.

Face-to-face course

Face-to-face courses, like dose adjustment for normal eating (DAFNE), focus on learning how to adjust your insulin.

You learn in a small group and meet people going through the same things as you. This can give you support during and after the course.

Courses usually run for 4 to 5 days.

You'll learn about:

A course can help you:

Speak to your diabetes team about local diabetes courses.

Face-to-face DAFNE courses have not been running since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Learning online means you can do it at your own pace and at a time that suits you. You can leave and come back at any time.

You pick the subjects you want to learn and do as many as you like.

This might be useful if you have just been diagnosed and there's a lot to take in, or you have already done a course but need a refresher.

Online courses are designed for everyone with any level of computer skills. You can do it on your phone, tablet or laptop.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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