Diabetes - Essentials
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09026
Max group:
12
The fundamentals of diabetes management, prevention, and care in healthcare
Course Summary
Diabetes - Essentials
The Diabetes - Essentials course provides a comprehensive introduction to diabetes, focusing on its management, prevention, and the essential skills needed to support individuals living with the condition. This course is designed for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and anyone looking to understand the fundamentals of diabetes care. Participants will learn about the types of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes), risk factors, common complications, and the importance of blood glucose monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle changes. The course also covers strategies to promote patient education, self-management, and empower individuals to live healthier lives. Key Learning Objectives: Understand the different types of diabetes and their causes Recognize risk factors and early warning signs of diabetes Learn how to monitor blood glucose levels and use diabetes medications effectively Develop skills to support patients in managing their diet, exercise, and lifestyle Understand the role of healthcare teams in diabetes management Address common diabetes complications and preventative care Provide education to patients and caregivers on diabetes self-management By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to support individuals with diabetes in managing their condition and improving their quality of life. Target Audience: Healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors, care assistants) Caregivers and family members of individuals with diabetes Community health workers and educators
Course Contents
Introduction to Diabetes Overview of diabetes: definition, types (Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational)
The prevalence and global impact of diabetes Understanding the body’s normal glucose regulation
Types of Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes: Causes, symptoms, and management Type 2 Diabetes: Risk factors, prevention, and lifestyle management Gestational Diabetes: Causes, risks, and management during pregnancy Other forms of diabetes (e.g., MODY, LADA)
Causes and Risk Factors Genetics, family history, and lifestyle factors Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and diet as risk factors
Age, ethnicity, and other environmental factors
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common symptoms: excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision
Diagnosis methods: blood tests (fasting glucose, HbA1c, OGTT)
Importance of early detection and screening Blood Glucose
Monitoring Understanding blood glucose levels: normal, prediabetes, and diabetes ranges Techniques for self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG)
When and how to check blood glucose: factors influencing readings
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems
Managing Diabetes through Lifestyle Changes
The role of diet in diabetes management: meal planning and portion control
Exercise recommendations: how physical activity helps control blood sugar
Weight management strategies for Type 2 diabetes prevention and management
Medications and Insulin Therapy
Overview of diabetes medications: oral agents, insulins, and non-insulin injectables
Understanding how medications work: oral medications (e.g., metformin), GLP-1 agonists, and SGLT2 inhibitors Insulin types, administration techniques, and dosage adjustment
Preventing and Managing Complications Common complications of diabetes: neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease
Preventative care: regular screenings (e.g., foot checks, eye exams)
Early intervention to prevent or delay complications
Supporting Diabetes
Self-Management Importance of patient education and empowerment
Setting SMART goals for blood glucose control, exercise, and nutrition Tools for monitoring and tracking progress (e.g., diabetes diaries, apps)
Emotional and Psychological Support for People with Diabetes
Addressing the emotional impact of diabetes: stress, anxiety, and depression
Providing psychological support and coping strategies for patients
The role of mental health professionals in diabetes care
The Role of Healthcare Providers in Diabetes
Care The collaborative care model: working with dietitians, endocrinologists, and other professionals
The importance of regular follow-up and patient engagement
Building a supportive environment for diabetes management
Conclusion and Best Practices
Key takeaways for successful diabetes management
Practical tips for healthcare providers when caring for diabetic patients
Continuing education and resources for staying up-to-date with diabetes care guidelines
Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.
Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.
Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;