Foundation Diabetes

This comprehensive course has been designed to provide a practical and in-depth approach to managing diabetes at a foundational level. It equips healthcare professionals with the essential knowledge and confidence to support patients effectively. The course covers key aspects of diabetes care, from initial diagnosis to tailored management strategies, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of best practices in diabetes management.

Course Objectives

Days 1 & 2: Foundations of Diabetes Care

• How to diagnose diabetes accurately and effectively

• Interpreting key test results, including HbA1c, cholesterol, Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR), and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)

• Introducing the nine essential diabetes care processes, with a focus on: 

  • Foot health checks to prevent complications

  • Oral health care as a crucial aspect of diabetes management

  • Physical measurements to monitor overall health

  • Eye care screenings for early detection of complications

  • Understanding the significance of ACR in identifying kidney disease risk

  • Smoking cessation support as part of a holistic care plan

Day 3: Enhancing Diabetes Care Through Lifestyle and Holistic Management

• Recognising the importance of diet and lifestyle interventions in diabetes care

• Encouraging a culturally appropriate approach to consultations, ensuring patient engagement and adherence

• Understanding the impact of co-morbidities and learning how to work efficiently within a multi-disciplinary framework

Learning Outcomes

Day 1 & 2:

• Understand what diabetes is

• Learn about the pathophysiology of diabetes

• Explore the journey towards the diagnosis of diabetes

• Understand how to diagnose diabetes

• Learn the significance of HbA1c, cholesterol, eGFR, and ACR in diabetes management

• Introduce the 9 care processes for diabetes management

Day 3:

• Explore diet and lifestyle in detail – how education can make a difference

• Understand the importance of diet in relation to health

• Understand the importance of staying active in relation to health

• Ensure cultural appropriateness in health education and management

• Consider health inequality in diabetes care

• Learn how to manage the diabetes consultation – working smarter

• Address co-morbidity – including CKD, cholesterol, and hypertension in diabetes management