Life with Diabetes

Module 1: Diabetes - What's it all about?
On completion of this module you will be able to:

• explain what diabetes is
• differentiate between the types of diabetes
• identify the characteristics of people at risk of getting each type of diabetes
• describe the treatment for each type
• explain why it is important to manage diabetes and the value of blood glucose monitoring
• describe the impact of diabetes on the individual, family and society.

Module 2: Food choices and eating habits
On completion of this module you will be able to:

• describe the recommended guidelines for healthy eating
• describe the difference between current eating habits and recommended guidelines
• identify the dietary factors that affect blood glucose levels and describe dietary modifications that are recommended for people with diabetes
• recommend improvements in your own eating habits
• identify barriers to improving eating habits and suggest solutions to overcome them.

Module 3: Physical activity and stress management
On completion of this module you will be able to:

• describe the benefits of exercise and physical activity for everyone, including those living with diabetes
• examine how exercise and physical activity can impact diabetes management and affect blood glucose levels
• list strategies which you can adopt to increase your physical activity
• describe the effects of stress on the body and identify ways to manage it.

Module 4: Managing medications
On completion of this module you will be able to:

• identify the different types of diabetes medications available to treat type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, including how they work and possible side effects
• identify ways to monitor and measure the effectiveness of these medications.

Module 5: Keeping well, physically and mentally
On completion of this module you will be able to:

• identify long term complications and adopt strategies needed to avoid them
• explain the effect of diabetes on mental health and identify strategies to manage the impact
• describe how to support children with diabetes
• describe how to manage diabetes when sick or unwell
• identify how alcohol and other drugs can affect diabetes
• identify factors to consider when preparing for pregnancy
• identify effective strategies to use when on holiday and/or travelling with diabetes.