Diabetes care and quality improvement
A collection of resources and articles curated for anyone with an interest in improvement and shifts in diabetes care.
Event recording
On 18 February 2026 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published updated guidance on managing type 2 diabetes, introducing a major shift in care. The new recommendations move beyond blood sugar control to a personalised approach based on co-morbidities, with a strong focus on long-term outcomes such as mortality, cardiovascular health, and kidney function.
We were pleased to hold an exclusive session with the clinical experts involved in developing the guidance with NICE, in March 2026. At the event we explored practical implementation challenges, and discussed opportunities to improve patient outcomes.
Our event was so popular, it sold out. With that in mind we are pleased to share a recording of the presentation and responses to questions from attendees.
Improvement resources
Below is a selection of our most popular resources, designed to anyone working in improvement in health and care.
Evidence briefing: An effective approach to change
The health and care system needs more structured and coherent approaches to change. Based on the best evidence and our community’s experience supporting change, we set out some key elements of such an approach.
Framework: Improving across health and care systems
Plan and deliver large-scale health and care improvements across systems with this detailed framework developed in collaboration with sector leaders and aligned with NHS IMPACT.
Toolkit: Creative approaches to problem solving
Our toolkit of 25 tried-and-tested methods for creative collaboration and problem-solving.
Podcast: Leading Improvement in Health and Care
Sharing stories and exploring the challenges of people making changes across systems with our podcast.
More resources
For our full list, head over to our resources section.
Diabetes improvement projects
How disruptive innovators could lead the way for neighbourhood health
Q member Mani Dhesi explains how radically redesigning patient care pathways for community settings – including for diabetes care – can both improve the patient experience and free up valuable clinical time in secondary care.
Access to Psychological Support and Transition Improvement for Diabetic Teenagers
We supported a Q Exchange project team who developed a digital, pre-moderated peer support service with integrated psychoeducation to improve access to psychological support and easing the transition to adult care for young people with diabetes in Somerset. During the project:
- 168 teenagers were engaged in using the app.
- They made 32 new diabetes‑specific resources available via the app.
- They created a portal offering direct access to the Somerset Children’s Diabetes Nurses helpline, along with new guidance on symptoms, mental health, rights at school and sexual health.
- End of project interviews showed peer support was found to have positively supported teenagers in feeling less isolated and more understood.
Themes from this project and other Q Exchange 5 projects were summarised in our opinion piece.
Ways to connect
Join a group
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Why not join a group? You can meet others interested in similar topics, and perhaps share something you’ve learned or ask a question you’re curious about.
Join our community
Not a member of Q? Join our vibrant community. We welcome people with improvement experience from all backgrounds and settings. Members benefit in a variety of ways from the wide range of opportunities available. Apply by completing a form outlining your experience and why you want to join.