Course Overview

This two-day Introduction to Diabetes course is designed for healthcare professionals working in Primary Care who are new to diabetes management or developing their role within structured diabetes reviews.

The programme provides a comprehensive foundation in adult diabetes care, with a primary focus on Type 2 diabetes. Teaching is aligned with current NICE guidance (including NG28) and supports clinicians in delivering safe, evidence-based diabetes care within General Practice.

Participants will develop confidence in understanding diabetes pathophysiology, supporting newly diagnosed patients, organising structured annual reviews, optimising non-insulin therapies, recognising complications, and promoting self-management.

The course combines structured teaching with case-based discussion to support practical application within everyday Primary Care consultations.

Who Should Attend

This course is suitable for:

Practice Nurses
Nurse Associates
Advanced Clinical Practitioners
Primary Care Pharmacists
Paramedics working in Primary Care
Experienced Healthcare Assistants involved in diabetes reviews

No prior advanced diabetes training is required.

What This Course Covers

Day One – Foundations and Structured Care

Pathophysiology of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction
Screening and diagnosis of diabetes and pre-diabetes
Communicating a new diagnosis
Remission in Type 2 diabetes – evidence and practical considerations
Healthy eating and carbohydrate awareness
Range of dietary approaches
Weight management pathways
Physical activity and metabolic health
Diabetic foot assessment and risk stratification
Organising structured diabetes care in practice
- QOF indicators
- The 8 care processes
- 3 treatment targets
- Care and support planning
Case-based discussion

Day Two – Pharmacology, Complications and Risk Management

Overview of non-insulin pharmacological treatments:
- Metformin
- SGLT2 inhibitors
- GLP-1 receptor agonists
- DPP-4 inhibitors
- Sulfonylureas
Mechanisms of action and clinical considerations
Individualising therapy
Cardiovascular and renal protection in Type 2 diabetes
Acute complications:
- Hypoglycaemia
- Hyperglycaemia
- Sick day rules
Long-term complications:
- Microvascular
- Macrovascular
Blood glucose and ketone monitoring
DVLA guidance and diabetes
Referral pathways:
- Structured education
- Podiatry
- Weight management
- Secondary care
- Psychological support
Competency development and ongoing learning

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the pathophysiology of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Describe diagnostic criteria and communicate a new diagnosis effectively
Discuss remission approaches in Type 2 diabetes
Provide evidence-based dietary and lifestyle advice
Understand the mechanisms and roles of commonly used non-insulin medications
Conduct a structured annual diabetes review
Identify risk factors for complications and implement preventative strategies
Recognise and advise on hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia
Apply DVLA guidance appropriately
Signpost and refer to appropriate services

Course Format

Duration: Two full days

Delivery: Virtual (Zoom) or face-to-face

Format includes:

Structured teaching sessions
Case-based discussion
Clinical scenario analysis
Interactive discussion
Practical application exercises

Certification

Certificate of attendance provided for CPD and revalidation purposes.