Course Overview
Online | 
Certificate on completionRecognise the Signs, Respond with Confidence
Build the confidence to support people with diabetes safely, recognise changes in their condition, follow individual care plans and escalate concerns appropriately.
The course consistently centres on recognising risks, protecting people, reporting concerns, documenting accurately and monitoring for changes.
What you’ll learn
- Understand diabetes mellitus and the differences between Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes
- Recognise common symptoms, causes, risk factors and complications
- Understand the purpose of blood glucose monitoring, including SMBG, CGM and flash glucose monitoring
- Explain the role of a support worker in daily diabetes management, including monitoring, routines, education, emotional support and safety
- Understand the importance of individual diabetes care plans and following the instructions, target ranges and response actions documented within them
- Recognise when a person’s condition or blood glucose readings require escalation, clinical advice or emergency assistance
- Follow appropriate escalation pathways, including documenting and reporting concerns, seeking advice from relevant healthcare professionals and calling 000 when a medical emergency is identified
- Understand key principles of diabetes medications and insulin administration
- Apply safe sharps handling and disposal practices
- Understand carbohydrate counting, meal planning, portion control and hydration
- Recognise hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia and respond using the person’s care plan and the emergency actions covered in the course.
Diabetes 2
Course Type
Online
Duration
60 minutes
Start Date
Start any time
Price
Enquire
How It Works
Step 1: Enrol in your course
Choose your course and enrol to get access to your online learning.
Step 2: Complete your learning
Work through the course at your own pace, whenever it suits you.
Step 3: Receive your certificate
Complete the course requirements and receive your certificate of completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this course designed for?
Designed for people working across care and support environments, including:
- Support Workers
- Personal Care Workers
- AINs
- ENs
- RNs
- Team Leaders
- Coordinators
Ideal for frontline care workers, clinical staff and team leaders who need practical
infection prevention knowledge they can apply in everyday care.
What are the signs of hypoglycaemia in a person with diabetes?
Hypoglycaemia, or a “hypo”, occurs when blood glucose levels become too low. Common symptoms can include shaking, sweating, dizziness, hunger, headache, difficulty concentrating and changes in behaviour or mood. Support workers should know the individual’s diabetes care plan and recognise their usual signs of a hypo so they can respond promptly and escalate concerns when required.
What is the difference between hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia means a person’s blood glucose level is too low, while hyperglycaemia means their blood glucose level is too high. Both can cause a person with diabetes to become unwell and require an appropriate response. Support workers should understand the signs of both conditions, follow the person’s individual diabetes care plan and know when clinical or emergency assistance is required.
What should a support worker do if someone with diabetes has a hypo?
A support worker should follow the person’s individual diabetes care plan and the instructions provided for treating hypoglycaemia. If the person is unconscious, drowsy or unable to swallow, nothing should be given by mouth and 000 should be called for an ambulance. Workers should also follow their organisation’s reporting and escalation procedures.
Can NDIS support workers help with diabetes management?
Yes. Depending on the participant’s individual needs, training and support arrangements, NDIS-funded diabetes supports can include assistance with blood glucose monitoring, medication and insulin. The NDIS can also fund training for support workers in a participant’s specific diabetes management needs. Workers should follow the participant’s diabetes management plan and remain within their role and training.
What should a support worker know about blood glucose monitoring?
Support workers assisting a person with diabetes should understand why blood glucose is monitored, the person’s individual target range and what to do when readings fall outside the parameters documented in their care plan. They should also know how readings are recorded and when changes need to be reported or escalated. NSG’s Diabetes 2 course covers blood glucose monitoring, including self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring and flash glucose monitoring.