Improving Diabetes Outcomes, Reducing Demand & Tackling Inequalities
A Proven Structured Education Model Across NHS Systems
Overview
NHS systems across England are facing increasing pressure from rising diabetes prevalence, growing demand on primary care, and the need to improve outcomes while addressing health inequalities.
Structured education is now recognised as a critical component in delivering sustainable, high-quality diabetes care.
This case study highlights how leading organisations, including Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, are using X-PERT structured education to deliver measurable improvements at scale.
The Challenge
Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and NHS providers are working to address a common set of pressures. Structured education uptake remains inconsistent, while health inequalities continue to impact outcomes across different populations.
At the same time, primary care is managing increasing demand from long-term conditions, with limited capacity for ongoing lifestyle and behavioural support. Systems are also being asked to demonstrate measurable improvements in outcomes such as HbA1c, weight, and cardiovascular risk—while supporting self-management alongside evolving medication pathways, including GLP-1 therapies.
The Approach
In response, leading NHS organisations have embedded X-PERT structured education into their diabetes care pathways.
Programmes are delivered across primary care, community services, and group education settings, making them accessible to a wide range of patients. They are integrated into long-term condition management pathways and aligned with both prevention programmes and pharmacotherapy approaches.
Crucially, delivery models are designed to engage diverse populations, helping systems improve access and participation where it has traditionally been low.
The result is a structured, scalable approach that supports both improved patient outcomes and more sustainable use of healthcare resources.
Case Example
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
X-PERT Organisation of the Year (2025)
Berkshire Healthcare implemented structured education as a system-wide intervention to improve outcomes, increase engagement, and reduce pressure on services.
It was recognised as X-PERT Organisation of the Year (2025), reflecting strong performance across multiple clinical and engagement measures, as well as clear year-on-year improvement.
Engagement and Experience
Participant feedback has been consistently strong, with a mean evaluation score of 95%. The programme has also demonstrated the ability to engage a diverse population, with around 18% of participants coming from non-white communities—groups that are often underrepresented in structured education programmes.
This highlights not only high satisfaction, but also meaningful reach into populations where improving access is a key priority.
Clinical Outcomes
Berkshire has delivered significant improvements across key clinical indicators, including HbA1c at both 6 and 12 months, body weight management, and cardiovascular risk factors.
Notably, the organisation progressed from being commended in HbA1c categories in 2024 to becoming a category winner in 2025, demonstrating clear, measurable improvement over time.
Strong results were also seen in blood pressure and cholesterol measures, reinforcing the broader cardiovascular impact of the programme.
Comparable NHS Success
Similar outcomes are being achieved across other NHS organisations using the same model.
Barts Health NHS Trust in Tower Hamlets has demonstrated high levels of engagement in diverse and underserved populations. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has delivered sustained improvements in HbA1c, while Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust has shown measurable reductions in diabetes medication requirements.
At the same time, Derbyshire Community Health Service NHS Foundation Trust has achieved improvements in cardiovascular risk and long-term outcomes.
Together, these examples demonstrate that this approach is not isolated, but consistent and repeatable across different systems and populations.
Impact for ICBs and NHS Systems
Structured education is increasingly being adopted as a key enabler for delivering NHS priorities.
It supports improved uptake and completion of education programmes, while also helping to reduce health inequalities through better engagement with underserved communities. By strengthening patient self-management, it can reduce repeat demand on primary care, freeing up clinical capacity.
At the same time, it complements medication pathways—including GLP-1 therapies—by ensuring patients are better supported to manage their condition over the long term.
Why This Model Works
At its core, structured education provides a scalable intervention that can be delivered across PCNs and community providers. It helps patients build the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to manage their condition effectively.
This leads to measurable improvements in clinical outcomes, while also reducing reliance on primary care services.
In practice, it acts as the bridge between diagnosis, treatment, and long-term condition management—connecting each part of the pathway in a more sustainable way.
Next Steps
For systems focused on improving structured education uptake, addressing health inequalities, supporting diabetes and weight management pathways, and reducing pressure on primary care, this model offers a proven and practical solution.
X-PERT can support your organisation to deliver measurable impact, based on approaches already working across the NHS.
Contact us to arrange a discussion – Email admin@xperthealth.org.uk
