Diabetes in Children Course

Diabetes in Children – Online Course

Course overview
The Diabetes in Children Course provides practical awareness of diabetes in children, including its different types, common symptoms, treatment approaches and ongoing support needs. Learners explore blood glucose monitoring, hypo- and hyperglycaemia, potential complications, nutritional management and the emotional impact of diabetes on children and their families. The course also considers family-centred support and the needs of children in healthcare and educational settings.

Please note: This course provides Level 2 awareness training and does not replace clinical qualifications, practical emergency training, individual diabetes care plans or role-specific instruction required by an employer.

What the course covers
• Introduction to diabetes in children, including Type 1, Type 2 and rarer forms
• Causes, risk factors, signs and symptoms
• Diagnosis, insulin therapy and treatment approaches
• Managing Type 2 diabetes, including lifestyle changes and family education
• Recognising hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia
• Blood glucose monitoring and ongoing diabetes management
• Potential complications, including diabetic retinopathy
• Psychological and emotional challenges for children and families
• Nutritional management and family-centred support
• Supporting the transition from paediatric to adult care
• Basic cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques for emotional support

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for professionals involved in supporting children with diabetes, including paediatricians, nurses, GPs, diabetes specialist nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, psychologists, school nurses, educators, social workers and family support professionals. It can support induction, refresher training and knowledge enhancement.

Practical benefits
• Improve awareness of diabetes types and their presentations in children
• Recognise symptoms and signs of potential deterioration
• Understand the principles of blood glucose monitoring and diabetes management
• Identify the importance of appropriate responses to hypo- and hyperglycaemia
• Understand nutritional and psychosocial support needs
• Communicate effectively with children, families and relevant professionals
• Support dignity, independence and person-centred care
• Recognise when further clinical advice or urgent assistance is needed

What learners will be able to do
• Describe different types of diabetes affecting children
• Recognise common signs, symptoms and relevant risk factors
• Explain basic principles of treatment and ongoing management
• Understand the importance of blood glucose monitoring
• Identify potential complications and signs of deterioration
• Recognise the emotional and practical impact of diabetes on families
• Adapt communication and support to individual needs
• Understand when clinical advice or urgent help may be required

Is this training a legal requirement?
There is no general UK legal requirement for every professional or school employee to complete this specific course. However, the Equality Act 2010 and the Children and Families Act 2014 are relevant to supporting children with diabetes in educational settings. Schools and employers should consider their legal responsibilities, individual care arrangements, staff roles and training needs when determining appropriate provision.

Assessment and certificate
The course is delivered online and takes approximately 1 hour to complete, with 1 CPD point available upon successful completion. Learners complete a multiple-choice assessment with a required pass mark of 70% and may retake it at no additional cost. A free CPD-accredited digital certificate is available to download or print after passing; a printed certificate can be purchased separately.