COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Support Individuals with Diabetes in Disability Care course. This program is specifically designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to support individuals living with diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects blood sugar regulation and requires consistent and personalised management. In disability care settings, understanding the nuances of diabetes management is crucial to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of individuals who may face additional challenges in managing their condition. This course begins by exploring the definition and types of diabetes and the importance of proactive diabetes management in disability support.
An understanding of blood glucose regulation is fundamental in supporting individuals with diabetes. This section covers the role of insulin and glucagon in maintaining blood sugar balance, the pancreas’s functions in diabetes, and how the condition can impact various body systems. This foundational knowledge will help you better understand the physiological effects of diabetes and how to mitigate them.
Diabetes presents in multiple forms, each requiring tailored approaches to care. This section explains the causes and management of Type 1 diabetes, the risk factors and prevention strategies for Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes and other less common forms, equipping you to address the diverse needs of individuals under your care.
Recognising the signs and symptoms of diabetes is key to timely intervention. This section highlights the early warning signs of high and low blood sugar, the potential long-term complications of uncontrolled diabetes, and the importance of regular screening and monitoring to prevent severe health outcomes.
Blood glucose monitoring is a cornerstone of diabetes care. This section covers understanding blood glucose targets, using tools such as glucometers and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and accurately documenting and reporting blood sugar levels to ensure effective care and communication with healthcare teams.
Nutrition plays a pivotal role in managing diabetes. This section explores the impact of carbohydrates on blood sugar, creating balanced meals tailored to individual dietary needs, and adapting meal plans to align with cultural or personal preferences while meeting nutritional requirements.
Physical activity is another essential component of diabetes management. This section discusses the benefits of exercise for blood sugar control, safe exercise practices, and strategies for managing blood sugar during and after physical activity to ensure a positive impact without undue risks.
Medication management is critical for individuals with diabetes. This section introduces different types of diabetes medications, such as insulin and oral treatments, proper storage and administration techniques, and monitoring for side effects and effectiveness to support optimal health outcomes.
Insulin administration requires skill and attention to detail. This section provides guidance on the types of insulin and their actions, safe injection techniques, and methods to minimise discomfort during injections, empowering you to support individuals requiring insulin therapy.
Hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, is a common diabetes emergency. This section covers the causes and symptoms of hypoglycaemia, immediate steps to treat it, and strategies to prevent recurrence through care plan adjustments, ensuring individuals remain safe and well-supported.
Hyperglycaemia, or high blood sugar, also poses risks to individuals with diabetes. This section explores its causes and symptoms, the potential short- and long-term complications, and practical strategies for preventing and addressing high blood sugar levels effectively.
Supporting diabetes management during illness is particularly important as illness can significantly affect blood sugar. This section provides guidance on implementing sick day management plans, monitoring changes, and communicating effectively with healthcare teams to ensure continuity of care.
Foot care is critical for individuals with diabetes due to the risk of complications. This section focuses on the importance of foot hygiene, recognising early signs of issues such as ulcers or infections, and preventing problems through proper footwear and regular inspections.
The emotional and psychological impact of diabetes can be significant. This section addresses how to support individuals coping with a diagnosis, managing anxiety related to blood sugar control, and fostering independence in managing their condition to enhance overall well-being.
Cultural sensitivity is vital in providing inclusive diabetes care. This section explores understanding cultural attitudes toward diabetes and food, respecting dietary preferences, and delivering education that aligns with cultural and personal values.
Monitoring and documenting diabetes care ensures that support is consistent and effective. This section explains how to keep accurate records, report changes in health status, and update care plans based on observations and feedback to meet evolving needs.
Legal and ethical considerations guide safe and professional diabetes care. This section covers consent, confidentiality, adherence to NDIS practice standards, and documentation requirements, ensuring you meet your duty of care responsibilities.
Emergency preparedness is essential for handling diabetes-related incidents. This section provides strategies for recognising and responding to conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS), managing emergencies during outings, and coordinating with emergency services to ensure timely assistance.
By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and skill to provide support for individuals with diabetes in disability care settings, promoting their health, safety, and independence.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Diabetes Management in Disability Care
- Definition and Types of Diabetes
- Importance of Diabetes Management in Disability Support
2. Anatomy and Physiology of Blood Glucose Regulation
- Role of Insulin and Glucagon in Blood Sugar Control
- The Pancreas and Its Functions in Diabetes
- How Diabetes Affects the Body
3. Understanding the Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes: Causes and Management
- Type 2 Diabetes: Risk Factors and Prevention
- Gestational and Other Less Common Forms of Diabetes
4. Recognising the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
- Early Warning Signs of High and Low Blood Sugar
- Long-Term Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes
- Importance of Regular Screening and Monitoring
5. Blood Glucose Monitoring and Record Keeping
- Understanding Blood Glucose Targets and Readings
- Using Glucometers and Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
- Documenting and Reporting Blood Glucose Levels
6. Nutrition and Diabetes Management
- Role of Carbohydrates in Blood Sugar Regulation
- Creating Balanced Meals for Individuals with Diabetes
- Adapting Meal Plans for Cultural or Dietary Preferences
7. Physical Activity and Diabetes
- Benefits of Exercise for Blood Sugar Control
- Safe Exercise Practices for Individuals with Diabetes
- Managing Blood Sugar During and After Physical Activity
8. Medication Management in Diabetes Care
- Types of Diabetes Medications
- Correct Storage and Administration of Medications
- Monitoring for Medication Side Effects and Effectiveness
9. Insulin Administration and Injection Techniques
- Types of Insulin and Their Actions
- Safe Injection Sites and Techniques
- Managing Pain or Discomfort During Injections
10. Recognising and Managing Hypoglycaemia
- Causes and Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar
- Immediate Steps to Treat Hypoglycaemia
- Preventing Recurrence Through Care Plan Adjustments
11. Recognising and Managing Hyperglycaemia
- Causes and Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
- Short-Term and Long-Term Risks of Hyperglycaemia
- Strategies for Preventing and Addressing Hyperglycaemia
12. Supporting Diabetes Management During Illness
- How Illness Affects Blood Sugar Levels
- Sick Day Management Plans for Individuals with Diabetes
- Communicating Changes to Healthcare Teams
13. Foot Care for Individuals with Diabetes
- Importance of Foot Hygiene and Regular Inspections
- Recognising Early Signs of Foot Complications
- Preventing Foot Problems Through Proper Footwear and Care
14. Emotional and Psychological Impact of Diabetes
- Supporting Individuals Coping with a Diabetes Diagnosis
- Addressing Anxiety Related to Blood Sugar Management
- Encouraging Independence in Managing Diabetes
15. Cultural Sensitivity in Diabetes Care
- Understanding Cultural Attitudes Toward Diabetes and Food Choices
- Respecting Dietary Preferences While Ensuring Nutritional Needs
- Providing Inclusive and Culturally Sensitive Education
16. Monitoring and Documenting Diabetes Care
- Keeping Accurate Records of Care Provided
- Reporting Changes in Blood Sugar Trends or Health Status
- Updating Care Plans Based on Observations and Feedback
17. Legal and Ethical Considerations in Diabetes Care
- Consent and Confidentiality in Diabetes Management
- Adhering to NDIS Practice Standards for Safe Care
- Documentation Requirements and Duty of Care
18. Emergency Preparedness for Diabetes-Related Incidents
- Recognising and Responding to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS)
- Handling Diabetes Emergencies During Outings or Events
- Communicating Effectively with Emergency Services
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.