Aim of the Course

The course aims to help learners provide safe, person-centred diabetes care, recognise changes in an individual’s condition and manage insulin-related tasks within their authorised role and assessed competence.

Scope of the Course

The course covers diabetes and insulin management in care homes, supported living, domiciliary care and comparable adult health and social care settings. It includes blood glucose monitoring, insulin safety, nutrition, illness management, emergency response, documentation and escalation.

Course completion alone does not authorise insulin administration. Staff must receive appropriate practical training, person-specific instruction, competency assessment and delegation or authorisation where required.

What This Course Covers

The course covers:

1. Types of diabetes and their effects
2. Individualised diabetes care planning
3. Blood glucose monitoring and target ranges
4. Insulin types, devices and timing
5. Safe insulin administration
6. Hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia
7. Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state
8. Nutrition, hydration and physical activity
9. Diabetes management during illness
10. Foot care and long-term complications
11. Documentation, incidents and clinical escalation
12. Delegation, competency and professional boundaries

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, learners should be able to:

1. Differentiate between the principal types of diabetes.
2. Explain how insulin and glucose normally work within the body.
3. Identify factors that can alter blood glucose levels.
4. Describe their responsibilities and limitations when supporting insulin treatment.
5. Follow an individualised diabetes care plan.
6. Perform blood glucose monitoring safely when trained and authorised.
7. Recognise common insulin types, devices and prescribing instructions.
8. Apply the required safety checks before insulin administration.
9. Explain safe insulin storage, handling and sharps disposal.
10. Identify and respond appropriately to hypoglycaemia.
11. Recognise hyperglycaemia and warning signs of diabetic emergencies.
12. Support appropriate nutrition, hydration and activity.
13. Follow the person’s agreed plan during illness or clinical change.
14. Recognise diabetic foot concerns requiring escalation.
15. Document diabetes care accurately and communicate relevant changes.
16. Report insulin errors, omissions and near misses without delay.

7. Further Reading and References

Legislation and regulations

1. Human Medicines Regulations 2012 — the principal UK framework governing medicinal products, including their supply and administration.

National clinical and regulatory guidance

1. NICE NG28: Type 2 diabetes in adults—management — current recommendations for assessing and managing type 2 diabetes in adults.
2. CQC: Diabetes mellitus and insulin use in adult social care — guidance on care planning, staff competence, glucose monitoring and insulin support in adult social care.
3. NHS England: Medication safety standards that remain valid — enduring safety requirements covering insulin measurement, administration devices and prevention of serious insulin errors.