Diabetes Essentials

About the course

Diabetes Essentials is our foundation course developed by expert Credentialled Diabetes Educators. This comprehensive online course is designed for health professionals who want to develop in-depth knowledge across a diverse range of diabetes topics.  It covers the pathophysiology of diabetes, diabetes management principles, and prevention of complications.

Diabetes Essentials is accredited for 12 CPD hours by the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA).

How does this course work?

• Once you enrol online you will automatically gain access to your course in our e-Learning platform. Everything you need to complete the course is available online, with 24/7 accessibility.
• Diabetes Essentials consists of 4 modules which cover 19 topics. You can complete each module at your own pace.
• There are 4 assessments; one at the end of each of the four modules. The assessments are multiple-choice and results are shown immediately.
• Once you have passed all 4 assessments and completed the course feedback survey, you will be able to download your ‘Certificate of Completion’.
• You will have 12-months access to the course from your enrolment date. This enables you to learn on-demand, at your own pace, and at time that suits you.

Who is this course for?

Diabetes Essentials is suitable for any allied health professional that would like to know more about diabetes. It is a knowledge-focused course that covers subjects including pathophysiology of diabetes and the principles of diabetes management.

If you are wanting to learn more about practical ways to improve your ability to support a person living with diabetes we have a range of ‘ Diabetes in Practice’ courses for specific health professions such as nurses, pharmacists, podiatrists and allied health professionals. 

See our full range of courses here.

Key learning objectives of the Diabetes Essentials course are outlined below.

Module 1 – Before basics

• Describe what diabetes mellitus is – identify glucose homeostasis and the organs involved as well as the hormones that affect glucose metabolism.
• Outline the types of diabetes mellitus – prevalence, risk factors, causation and clinical presentation of the various types of diabetes.
• Explain how the various types of diabetes are diagnosed – diagnostic tests and clinical criteria used to diagnose the various types of diabetes mellitus.
• Describe the management of diabetes – the different management options, the importance of diabetes self-management and the role the health professional plays.
• Explain the impact of diabetes and pregnancy – strategies to achieve optimal blood glucose control and potential complications that need to be considered in a person’s management plan.
• Identify the types of diabetes monitoring – methods and frequency of monitoring, including key elements of self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG); timing, documenting using results BGL meters as well as using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash monitoring. Understand how glycated haemoglobin (BHA1c) and fructosamine are measured and what can impact readings.

Module 2 – Living with diabetes

• Recognise the role nutrition plays in diabetes management – understand the importance of diet & weight management in diabetes and how this can be modulated through the role of an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD). Understand strategies to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
• Outline the role physical activity plays in diabetes management – describe the different types of physical activity, intensity types and exercise guidelines for someone with diabetes. Describe the precautions to take before and after exercise in relation to hypo and hyperglycaemia.
• Describe the medications use to manage diabetes – describe glucose lowering agents available in Australia, their action, common side-effects and contraindicators. Explain the key features of injecting and storing insulin.
• Classify hyper and hypoglycaemia – identify signs, symptoms and causes. Outline treatment for mild, moderate and severe hypo and hyperglycaemia. Identify the difference between diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS).
• Describe how ill health and surgery impact blood glucose levels – identify key elements to included in a sick day management plan and the supportive role you play in helping a person with diabetes prepare for surgery.
• Recall the legislation in relation people with diabetes obtaining a driver’s licence and the role of the diabetes healthcare team in travel.
• Outline the emotion and psychological impact diabetes has on the individual and their family. Describe how diabetes distress, anxiety and depression can impact diabetes self-management.
• Identify support services and organisations

Module 3 – Screening for complications

• Outline the main strategies to prevent the onset of complications related to diabetes – describe the screening schedule for diabetes-related complications, including the annual cycle of care and describe the referral pathways to members of the diabetes healthcare team.
• Outline the prevention, detection and prevention of microvascular damage to; the eye, kidneys, nervous system and feet and the referral process. Describe the risks of physical activity for a person with microvascular diabetes complications and how to reduce them.
• Outline the prevention, detection and prevention of macrovascular damage to; the heart, brain and feet and the referral process. Describe the risks of physical activity for a person with macrovascular diabetes complications and how to reduce them

Module 4 – Conditions related to diabetes

• • Outline key features of metabolic syndrome including prevalence, risk factors, cause, prevention, presentation and management.
  • Describe the relationship between metabolic syndrome and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).
  • Outline the criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome, IFG and IGT
  • Describe key features of PCOS including prevalence, basic causation, presentation and management.
  • Describe the link between PCOS, insulin resistance and diabetes and the medical implications of these.