Module 1: Understanding Type 1 Diabetes
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
- Autoimmune condition
- Role of insulin
- Why insulin is essential for life
- Differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes (brief overview)
Impact on Children and Young People
- Daily management requirements
- Lifelong condition
- Promoting independence according to age and developmental stage
Module 2: Blood Glucose Monitoring
Monitoring Methods
- Finger-prick testing
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
- Flash glucose monitoring systems
Understanding Results
- Target blood glucose ranges
- Factors affecting blood glucose:
- Food
- Exercise
- Illness
- Stress
- Growth and puberty
Module 3: Insulin and Daily Management
Insulin Basics
- What insulin does
- Types of insulin
- Insulin delivery methods:
- Pens
- Pumps
Supporting Daily Care
- Meal planning and carbohydrate awareness
- Physical activity considerations
- Managing diabetes during illness ("sick day" awareness)
Foster Carer Responsibilities
- Following the child's diabetes care plan
- Record keeping
- Medication storage
Module 4: Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Glucose)
Recognising Hypoglycaemia
Common signs:
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Hunger
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Behavioural changes
Treatment
- Fast-acting glucose
- Follow-up carbohydrates
- Monitoring recovery
Severe Hypoglycaemia
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Emergency procedures
- Glucagon awareness (if prescribed)
- When to call emergency services
Practical scenario discussion
Module 5: Hyperglycaemia and Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Recognising Hyperglycaemia
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Tiredness
- Blurred vision
Understanding DKA
- Why it occurs
- Early warning signs
- Emergency symptoms
Actions to Take
- Following care plans
- Seeking medical advice
- Emergency escalation
Case study exercise
Module 6: Psychosocial and Safeguarding Considerations
Living with Type 1 Diabetes
- Anxiety and burnout
- Impact on identity and independence
- Supporting adherence without creating conflict
Foster Care Considerations
- Information sharing
- Working with birth families where appropriate
- School and activity planning
- Overnight stays and holidays
- Record keeping and delegated healthcare tasks
Module 7: Practical Scenarios and Questions
Scenario-based discussions:
- Child refuses blood glucose testing
- Child wants to attend a sleepover
- Managing sport and physical activity
- Suspected hypo during a family outing
- Responding to illness and vomiting
Resources
Provide signposting to: