Diabetes podcast series

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A collage of clinical experts discussing diabetes. Featured texts include 'What is HbA1c?', 'Innovations in Diabetes', 'What is Diabetes?', and 'Can Diabetes be Reversed?'. Diabetes podcast series.

HIYOS GP Practice partnered with hospital specialists to produce a diabetes podcast series delivering practical, evidence‑based patient education on type 1 and type 2 diabetes, pre‑diabetes, HbA1c, culturally sensitive diet advice, pregnancy care and modern technologies (CGM, insulin pumps).

Recorded at HIYOS in London with clinicians from HIYOS, Imperial and other centres, the series targets local patients, carers and high‑risk communities (including South Asian groups) to improve early detection, self‑management, timely referrals, care coordination and health literacy. Outputs include multi‑episode recordings, show notes and blog summaries for ongoing patient access.

How we did this — three‑stage approach

Listen

  • Reviewed local need and demand using public health data, hospital attendance/admission statistics, primary‑care referrals and patient feedback. 
  • Analysed social media and podcast analytics to identify topics of greatest interest and gaps in community knowledge.

Co‑create

  • Convened clinicians, diabetes nurses, dietitians and lived‑experience contributors to prioritise topics and learning objectives. 
  • Ran planning workshops to shape episode outlines, ensure cultural relevance (e.g., South Asian diet advice) and test key messages with patients and asthma/diabetes teams.

Innovate

  • Wrote clinician‑led scripts and demonstration plans (HbA1c interpretation, diet tips, technology demos). 
  • Recorded on‑site at HIYOS (interviews, demos), edited audio/video, and produced accessible show notes, blog summaries and shareable assets. 
  • Promoted episodes through practice channels, captured listener feedback, and used insights to refine follow‑up content and clinical signposting.

What is Type 2 diabetes?

Dr Nik Sharma and Maria Da Cunha outline insulin resistance, pre diabetes and common causes (diet, inactivity, weight, stress). They cover early warning signs—excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss and slow‑healing wounds.

They stress that early detection via routine blood tests plus lifestyle changes can prevent progression and long term complications.

Understanding HbA1c.

A clear primer on HbA1c as the 2–3 month average blood sugar test, its UK reference ranges, testing frequency and the HIYOS traffic light interpretation system. The episode explains individualised HbA1c targets (including for newly diagnosed patients and those on insulin) and how regular monitoring, education and tailored care support better outcomes.

Diabetic diet

Focus on Indian subcontinent diets Dietitian Jalak and Dr Nik Sharma discuss practical, culturally sensitive dietary strategies. These include, portion control, carbohydrate awareness, balanced meals with vegetables and protein, healthy fats, meal planning, and smart shopping.

Advice is realistic and aimed at prevention and everyday diabetes control within South Asian eating patterns.

Type 1 diabetes and modern care

Chris Bound, specialist diabetes nurse (Imperial), reviews type 1 diabetes symptoms, youth‑focused education, and how care has evolved from injections to insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring.

He emphasises communication, behaviour change, multidisciplinary teamwork and technologies that enhance independence and long‑term outcomes.

Benefits of the project

This HIYOS‑led podcast project improves patient education, speeds up referrals, supports culturally competent care, enhances self‑management, and fosters collaboration between primary care and hospitals.

Listen to the full HIYOS podcast series for in‑depth advice, and speak to your GP or the HIYOS team about HbA1c testing, diabetes prevention programs, dietetic support or specialist referrals.

If you’re concerned about any of the points mentioned, please reach out to your GP.

Diabetes Podcasts

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