#1009 Diabetes Management Solutions (15 Credits/Hours)

(15 Credits/Hours)

Launch Date: August 5, 2025
Expires: August 31, 2027

Course Overview

Diabetes mellitus affects over 37 million Americans and represents one of the most significant chronic health challenges facing healthcare systems today. As frontline caregivers, nurses play a pivotal role in diabetes prevention, management, and patient advocacy across the continuum of care. This comprehensive continuing education course equips nurses with the advanced knowledge, clinical skills, and evidence-based competencies essential for delivering exceptional diabetes care in today’s complex healthcare environment.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of diabetes mellitus from both physiological and practical perspectives, grounded in the latest research and clinical guidelines from the American Diabetes Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators, and other leading professional organizations. Participants will gain mastery of current best practices while developing critical thinking skills necessary to adapt care approaches for diverse patient populations and clinical scenarios.

The curriculum addresses the full spectrum of diabetes care, from initial screening and diagnosis through long-term complication prevention and management. Nurses will explore the complex interplay between genetics, lifestyle factors, socioeconomic determinants, and cultural influences that impact diabetes outcomes, preparing them to deliver culturally responsive, patient-centered care.

Participants will master advanced assessment techniques specific to diabetes care, including comprehensive physical examinations, interpretation of glycemic monitoring data, and recognition of subtle clinical changes that may indicate developing complications. The course provides detailed guidance on insulin administration techniques, medication timing, and safety protocols that reduce medication errors and improve patient outcomes.

Table of Content

1.  Foundations of Diabetes
2. Assessment and Monitoring
3. Pharmacological Management
4. Lifestyle Management and Patient Education
5. Acute and Chronic Complications
6. Special Populations and Considerations
7. Healthcare Settings and Care Coordination

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

Knowledge Objectives

1. Analyze the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus and their clinical implications for nursing care.
2. Interpret current diagnostic criteria, laboratory values, and screening recommendations for diabetes mellitus according to evidence-based guidelines.
3. Evaluate the pharmacokinetics, therapeutic effects, and potential adverse reactions of insulin and non-insulin diabetes medications.
4. Examine the role of medical nutrition therapy, physical activity, and lifestyle modifications in diabetes management across the lifespan.
5. Identify signs, symptoms, and risk factors for acute diabetes complications including hypoglycemia, DKA, and HHS.
6. Describe the pathophysiology, prevention strategies, and nursing interventions for chronic diabetes complications affecting cardiovascular, renal, neurological, and visual systems.

Application Objectives

1. Demonstrate comprehensive assessment techniques specific to patients with diabetes, including physical examination and monitoring parameters.
2. Develop individualized nursing care plans that incorporate evidence-based interventions for diabetes management across various healthcare settings.
3. Apply patient education principles and motivational interviewing techniques to support diabetes self-management behaviors.
4. Implement safe medication administration practices for insulin and other diabetes medications, including proper storage, preparation, and injection techniques.
5. Utilize glucose monitoring technologies and interpret results to guide nursing interventions and care modifications.

Synthesis Objectives

1. Coordinate care transitions and communicate effectively with interdisciplinary team members to ensure continuity of diabetes management.
2. Advocate for patients with diabetes by identifying barriers to care and connecting patients with appropriate resources and support systems.
3. Integrate cultural competency principles when providing diabetes education and care to diverse patient populations.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions and modify care plans based on patient outcomes and evidence-based practice guidelines.

Critical Thinking Objectives

1. Analyze complex clinical scenarios involving patients with diabetes to prioritize nursing interventions and anticipate potential complications.
2. Synthesize knowledge of diabetes management with other comorbid conditions to provide holistic, patient-centered care.
3. Critique current diabetes management practices and identify opportunities for quality improvement within healthcare systems.