Diabetes affects millions and is one of the fastest-growing health concerns in the UK. It impacts not only those diagnosed but also their families, care providers, and communities. If you work in the social care sector, understanding diabetes is essential for supporting people who use services to lead healthy, independent lives.

This free diabetes online course gives you clear, practical knowledge about diabetes – from recognising signs and symptoms to understanding how you can help with management and prevention. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills or better support those in your care, this course is designed for you.

Join us to explore what diabetes means, how it can be managed, and the steps you can take to improve the lives of those affected by it.

Why Take This Course?

Diabetes is an increasing health challenge across the UK. For social care professionals, the ability to recognise and understand diabetes is key to providing effective support.

Here’s why this course is designed with you in mind:

• Enhance your confidence in supporting people who use services. You’ll learn not just the basics, but how to apply practical tools and strategies to your everyday work.
• Make a real difference. Unmanaged diabetes can lead to severe health complications. By gaining better knowledge, you can help people maintain their health and independence.
• Stay informed. This course reflects the latest guidance in line with healthcare practices in England, giving you accurate and relevant information for your work.
• Learn at no cost. Accessible for everyone, this free course means there’s no barrier to gaining an understanding of this important subject.

Through this course, you’ll be better equipped to improve the outcomes for people you support while encouraging healthier lifestyles and self-management skills.

Diabetes Awareness in Health and Social Care – Course Content Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Diabetes
Learners will explore what diabetes is, how it affects the body, and the main types—Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. The module explains the vital role of insulin in regulating blood glucose and outlines the prevalence of diabetes in the UK. Learners will gain an understanding of why awareness is crucial in health and social care settings.

Module 2: Understanding the Causes and Risk Factors
This module examines the common causes of diabetes and the difference between genetic and lifestyle-related factors. Learners will explore how poor diet, inactivity, obesity, and family history contribute to risk and discover how simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Module 3: Recognising Signs and Symptoms
Learners will identify the early warning signs of diabetes and understand the differences between hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). The module also explores the long-term complications of unmanaged diabetes, such as nerve damage, eye disease, and cardiovascular problems.

Module 4: Diagnosis and Testing
This module explains how diabetes is diagnosed through blood glucose and HbA1c testing. Learners will also understand how blood glucose meters and Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are used in monitoring and managing diabetes effectively, ensuring timely treatment and intervention.

Module 5: Managing Diabetes
Learners will explore the key elements of diabetes management, including the roles of diet, exercise, and medication. The module discusses safe insulin administration (where applicable), the importance of regular health check-ups, and the benefits of maintaining a balanced lifestyle to prevent complications.

Module 6: Supporting Individuals with Diabetes
This module focuses on providing person-centred care and emotional support to individuals living with diabetes. Learners will understand how to create and follow personalised care plans, promote independence, and encourage self-management strategies that empower individuals to take control of their health.

Module 7: Emergency Situations
Learners will learn to recognise the signs of diabetic emergencies such as hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemic episodes. The module provides guidance on how to respond appropriately, offer first aid, and know when to seek urgent medical assistance to ensure safety and prevent harm.

Module 8: Preventing Complications
This module covers the potential complications of diabetes, including kidney, eye, nerve, and heart problems. Learners will explore practical strategies for prevention—such as regular screenings, medication adherence, healthy diet, and lifestyle modifications—to reduce the risk of long-term health issues.

Module 9: Comorbidities and Holistic Care
Learners will understand how diabetes often coexists with other health conditions, including hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. The module highlights the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork (MDT) in providing holistic, coordinated care that meets the individual’s physical, emotional, and social needs.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you’ll have a clear understanding of diabetes and tools you can use in your work. You’ll learn how to:

• Understand different types of diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.
• Recognise the common causes and risk factors, such as lifestyle and genetic influences.
• Identify early signs and symptoms of diabetes, and the differences between high and low blood sugar levels.
• Explain blood glucose testing methods, including blood glucose monitors and HbA1c testing.
• Support people with diabetes in managing their condition through diet, exercise, and medication.
• Handle diabetic emergencies, such as severe hypoglycaemia or diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Promote ways to prevent long-term complications and encourage regular health check-ups.
• Understand the role of emotional and practical support systems tailored to the individual’s needs.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to deliver holistic care.

This course equips you with practical knowledge that can immediately improve the support you provide to people using your services.

Target Audience

If you work in the social care sector, this course has been created with you in mind. It’s ideal for:

• Care workers, support assistants, and other professionals involved in the daily care of people using services.
• Community workers and health professionals who provide outreach or specialist diabetes support.
• Managers or team leaders who oversee care settings and are responsible for promoting effective diabetes care.
• Anyone new to social care or looking to strengthen their confidence in understanding and managing diabetes.

Whether you’ve been in the field for years or are expanding your knowledge, this course is for anyone wanting to improve their care approach.

FAQ

How long does this course take?
The course is designed to be flexible and convenient for busy professionals. It takes about one to two hours to complete, depending on your pace.

Do I need any previous knowledge about diabetes?
No previous knowledge is required. This course begins with the basics and gets progressively more detailed, tailoring the information for all levels of experience.

Is the course specific to the UK?
Yes, the course is based on UK-specific healthcare practices, regulations, and guidance, making it directly applicable to your role if you work in England.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, you will receive a certificate upon completing the course. This can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to supporting individuals with diabetes.

How will I apply this knowledge at work?
This course provides practical knowledge you can immediately apply, whether you’re educating people on making healthier lifestyle choices, managing care plans, or supporting someone in an emergency.

What if I have questions during the course?
You’ll have access to support throughout. If you have questions, a member of our team will be available to assist you.

Take the first step in expanding your knowledge of diabetes today. Whether you work directly with people who use services or support them in other ways, this course helps you build better outcomes by addressing their needs with understanding, empathy, and actionable strategies. Start learning now!