Introduction to Diabetes (2-Day Course)

Course Description:

These two days of comprehensive training are designed for nurses, nurse associates, pharmacists, paramedics, and other Allied Healthcare Professionals (AHPs), and experienced healthcare assistants (HCAs) who are new to or fairly new to the field of diabetes care. If you've recently started seeing patients with diabetes, or are planning to; this course is tailored to provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skills required to confidently care for individuals with diabetes. The primary focus is on adults with Type 2 diabetes, although key recommendations and signposting for patients with Type 1 diabetes will also be covered.

Diabetes presents a significant healthcare challenge, costing the NHS £10 billion each year and impacting patients and their families. Primary care professionals play a pivotal role in managing the ever-increasing numbers of people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Good diabetes care is crucial and aligns with national and local policies supported by robust NICE guidance.

These interactive days of learning will incorporate various methods, including case studies, to help you progress from basic knowledge to a more confident and positive approach in reviewing and managing patients with diabetes.

Day One

09.15 - Coffee and Registration

09.30 - Introduction and Course Objectives

09.45 - Setting the Scene:

- Screening, Diagnosis, and Pre-Diabetes

- Pathophysiology and Symptoms

- Remission in Type 2 Diabetes

10.45 - Coffee Break

11.00 - Diet & Diabetes:

- Healthy Eating

- Carbohydrate Awareness

- Range of Dietary Approaches

- Weight Management Services

01.00 - Lunch

02.00 - Benefits of Activity

02.15 - Foot Care and Diabetes

02.45 - Organising Structured Diabetes Care in Practice:

- QoF and the Annual Review

- Care & Support Planning

- 8 Care Processes and 3 Treatment Targets

03.15 - Case Studies

03.30 - Action Plan, Evaluation, and Resources

03.45 - Close

Day Two

09.15 - Coffee and Registration

09.30 - Review Progress Since Day 1

09.45 - Non-Insulin Medications

10.45 - Coffee Break

11.00 - Medication Management

01.00 - Lunch

02.00 - Complications Associated with Diabetes

02.45 - Hyperglycaemia, Hypoglycaemia, and Management of Illness

03.15 - Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring

03.30 - DVLA and Diabetes

03.45 - Competencies, Training, Resources, and Close

Key Learning Outcomes for Both Days:

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the physiology of diabetes and differentiate between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

2. Discuss methods for diagnosing diabetes and provide information to individuals newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

3. Describe approaches that support achieving remission in Type 2 diabetes.

4. Explain basic advice related to a healthy diet, various dietary approaches, and carbohydrate awareness.

5. Discuss the modes of action of commonly used non-insulin medications.

6. Identify major complications that may arise in individuals with long-standing diabetes and measures to limit or prevent them.

7. Describe key advice for patients regarding the recognition and appropriate treatment of hypoglycaemia.

8. Discuss DVLA guidance concerning driving and diabetes.

9. Explain the risks of acute hyperglycaemia and provide advice to patients on self-managing illness periods.

10. Provide examples of referral pathways to other services such as weight management, secondary care, podiatry, structured education, activity, and psychological services.

11. Describe the process of routine foot review and factors influencing diabetic foot risk status.

12. Discuss local recommendations for the appropriate use of blood glucose and ketone monitoring.

13. Explain the key components and processes of an annual diabetes review and a self-management plan.

Join us for this comprehensive 2-day course via Zoom and enhance your ability to provide effective diabetes care within primary care settings.