Flagship Diabetes Education Programme
Structured, evidence-based diabetes education built around four pillars — Glucose, Exercise & Eating, Medication, and Self-management — designed for Nigerians living with diabetes. Free to attend. Community-delivered.
What is GEMS?
The GEMS Diabetes Education Programme is DWF Nigeria's flagship structured education course for people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. GEMS goes beyond information — it builds real skills, lasting habits, and genuine confidence to manage diabetes day-to-day.
Each session is facilitated by a DEFP-certified nurse or allied health professional, delivered in small groups, and adapted to the realities of Nigerian communities — from local foods to language to daily life pressures.
Structured & Evidence-Based: Built on international diabetes education guidelines and mapped to the Nigerian healthcare context.
Group Format: Small, supportive groups create peer learning, shared experience, and lasting community connections.
Free to Attend: Every GEMS session is provided at no cost to participants. Always.
The Four Pillars
Each pillar addresses a critical area of diabetes self-management. Together they form a complete, practical education journey — grounded in evidence, adapted for real Nigerian life.
Understanding blood glucose — how to monitor it, what your numbers mean, and how to interpret HbA1c. This pillar builds confidence in knowing when your glucose is in range and what to do when it isn't.
Practical nutrition and movement — using Nigerian foods, portion control, and simple activity to improve insulin sensitivity. This pillar meets people where they eat and live, not in a Western nutrition textbook.
A clear, practical guide to diabetes medications — oral agents, injectables, and insulin. This pillar addresses adherence, common concerns, side effects, and how to communicate effectively with your healthcare team.
The heart of GEMS — behaviour change, daily decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional wellbeing. This pillar equips you to navigate the long-term realities of living with diabetes with confidence and agency.
Who is GEMS For?
"No one should face diabetes alone — and the right education, in the right hands, saves lives."
GEMS is designed for anyone living with or affected by diabetes in Nigeria. Whether you were diagnosed last month or have been managing for years, GEMS gives you structured knowledge and practical tools.
Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who want structured, practical education in a supportive group setting.
Newly diagnosed individuals who want to understand their condition and learn to manage it from the start.
Family members and caregivers of people living with diabetes who want to provide better support.
Long-term diabetes patients whose condition has changed or who want to refresh their self-management skills.
GEMS sessions are provided at zero cost to every participant, no matter where in Nigeria you are.
Sessions available in English, Yorùbá, Hausa, and Igbo — delivered by facilitators from your community.
Intimate, supportive groups that encourage sharing, peer learning, and lasting connections with others who understand.
Delivered in clinics, community halls, churches, and mosques — close to where you already live and worship.
How It Works
From first contact to ongoing support — here is what to expect when you join a GEMS programme in your community.
Sign up online or through a local DWF facilitator. We confirm your place and match you to a group near you.
Join your small group sessions. Each pillar is covered in focused, interactive sessions — no prior knowledge needed.
Between sessions, put your learning into practice with tools, trackers, and support from your facilitator and group.
After completing GEMS, join a DWF support group to keep your momentum — and help others in your community.
Languages & Delivery
GEMS is not designed for a textbook — it is designed for Nigeria. Patient materials, facilitator guides, and session resources are all available in four languages, so that nothing is lost in translation.
Sessions are held in clinics, community halls, faith centres, and health posts — close to where participants already are.
Every GEMS participant receives a resource pack including session notes, tracking tools, and reference cards to keep.
All GEMS sessions are led by nurses or allied health professionals trained and certified through DWF's DEFP online course.
Completing GEMS is just the beginning. Participants are connected to local DWF support groups for continued peer support.
Are you a healthcare professional?
Registered nurses and allied health professionals can train to become certified GEMS facilitators through DWF's free online Diabetes Education Facilitator Programme (DEFP). 7 modules, fully self-paced, certificate on completion.
Start DEFP Training → Learn About VolunteeringReady to Start?
GEMS sessions are free to attend and run in communities across Nigeria. Fill in our short enrolment form and a DWF facilitator will be in touch to confirm your place and nearest group.
GEMS is completely free. You will never be charged to attend a session.
Sessions run in English, Yorùbá, Hausa, and Igbo across Nigeria.
Questions
Yes — 100%. DWF Nigeria does not charge participants for any GEMS session. The programme is funded entirely through donations and partnerships. Every person who needs GEMS should be able to access it regardless of their financial situation.
GEMS is primarily designed for people already living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. However, family members and caregivers of people with diabetes are also welcome, as GEMS knowledge helps the whole household provide better support.
The GEMS programme covers four pillars across multiple sessions. The exact number of sessions and schedule depends on your local facilitator's plan. Contact us or a local facilitator to find out the schedule for a group near you.
GEMS materials are available in English, Yorùbá, Hausa, and Igbo. Your session language will depend on your local facilitator and community. When you enquire to enrol, we will match you to a group in your preferred language where possible.
Sessions are held in community settings — local clinics, community halls, churches, mosques, and health posts. We intentionally avoid hospital settings to create a relaxed, community atmosphere. After enquiring to enrol, we will confirm the location closest to you.
Yes — and we would love for you to. Registered nurses and allied health professionals can become certified GEMS facilitators through DWF's free online Diabetes Education Facilitator Programme (DEFP). Complete 7 self-paced modules and receive a certificate and full facilitator toolkit. Visit learn.diabeteswellnessfoundation.org to start.