Unit 10:
Diabetes
Awareness
in Health
and Care
Welcome to Unit 10 of the NCFE
Level 1 Certificate in Well-Being.
In this session, we will explore
what diabetes is, the different
types, signs and symptoms, risk
factors, treatment, and how to
support individuals with diabetes.
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Learning
Outcomes
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By the end of this session, you will be able
to:
Understand what diabetes is
Identify the signs and symptoms of
diabetes
Differentiate between Type 1 and Type 2
diabetes
Recognise the risk factors and
complications
Learn how diabetes is treated and
managed
Understand how to support individuals
with diabetes
What is Diabetes?
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Diabetes is a chronic condition
that affects how your body turns
food into energy.
It occurs when the body either
doesn’t make enough insulin or
cannot use it properly, leading to
high blood sugar levels.
Types of Diabetes
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Type 1 Diabetes: The body
produces little or no insulin.
Usually diagnosed in childhood or
adolescence.
Type 2 Diabetes: The body
becomes resistant to insulin or
doesn’t produce enough. Often
linked to lifestyle and develops in
adulthood.
Gestational Diabetes: Occurs
during pregnancy and usually
goes away after birth.
Signs and Symptoms
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Common symptoms of diabetes
include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing of cuts or wounds
- Unexplained weight loss (Type 1)
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
(Type 2)
Risk Factors for
Diabetes
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Risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes
include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Poor diet and lack of exercise
- Family history of diabetes
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Age over 40 (or over 25 for some
ethnic groups)
Diagnosing
Diabetes
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Diabetes is diagnosed through
blood tests such as:
- Fasting blood sugar test
- HbA1c test (measures average
blood sugar over 2–3 months)
- Oral glucose tolerance test
Treatment and
Management
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Type 1 Diabetes: Managed with
daily insulin injections or an
insulin pump, plus careful
monitoring of diet and exercise.
Type 2 Diabetes: Managed
through lifestyle changes (diet,
exercise), tablets, and sometimes
insulin.
All types require regular
monitoring and support.
Complications of Diabetes
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If not managed, diabetes can lead to serious complications such as:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Kidney damage
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Eye damage (retinopathy)
- Foot problems that can lead to amputation
Living with
Diabetes
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Individuals living with diabetes
should:
- Follow a balanced diet and
maintain a healthy weight
- Monitor their blood glucose
regularly
- Stay physically active
- Attend regular check-ups
- Learn to recognise signs of
hypo- and hyperglycaemia
Supporting
Individuals with
Diabetes
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As a carer or support worker, you
can:
- Encourage healthy lifestyle
habits
- Help with medication routines
- Recognise and respond to
symptoms
- Offer emotional support and
encouragement
- Know when to seek medical
advice
Insulin – A hormone that helps
regulate blood sugar
Key
Terms
Glucose – A type of sugar in the
blood used for energy
Hyperglycaemia – High blood
sugar levels
Hypoglycaemia – Low blood sugar
levels
HbA1c – A blood test that shows
average blood sugar levels
- What did you learn today
that surprised you?
Reflection
and Action
Plan
- How can you use this
knowledge to help others?
- What steps can you take to
reduce your risk or support
someone with diabetes?
Thank
You!
You’ve completed
the session on
Diabetes
Awareness.
Knowledge is key to
prevention and care
– stay informed and
support others.