Introduction
Type 1 diabetes can now be identified before symptoms develop.
As awareness of early stage type 1 diabetes grows, healthcare professionals need
access to reliable and up to date information about screening, interpretation of
results and emerging treatment developments.
This free online learning module from DAFNE, hosted by The Open University,
introduces early stage type 1 diabetes and supports healthcare professionals to
develop their understanding of this rapidly evolving area of diabetes care. It aims to
support earlier identification of type 1 diabetes, helping to facilitate timely
intervention, improve outcomes and reduce the risk of acute complications, including
diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Why is early stage type 1 diabetes important?
Type 1 diabetes develops over time and can now be identified before symptoms
occur through autoantibody screening. As screening pathways and treatment options
continue to evolve, healthcare professionals may increasingly encounter people who
have been identified as being in the early stages of type 1 diabetes.
Understanding the progression of type 1 diabetes, current screening approaches and
appropriate next steps can support informed discussions and timely referral where
appropriate.
What will you learn?
This module covers:
- The development and progression of type 1 diabetes.
- Recognising the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes.
- Different types of diabetes.
- Current autoantibody screening options for early stage type 1 diabetes.
- Interpretation of screening results and appropriate next steps.
Who is this module for?
This module is suitable for healthcare professionals who would like to improve their
understanding of early stage type 1 diabetes, including:
- Diabetes specialist nurses.
- Dietitians.
- Doctors.
- GPs.
- Practice nurses.
- Allied health professionals.
- Other healthcare staff involved in diabetes care, education or support.
Course Information
- Free online learning module.
- Self paced learning.
- Approximately 2 hours to complete.
- Open University digital badge available on successful completion of the end- of-course knowledge check.
- Post module survey to provide feedback and support future resource development.
Important: This module is intended for information and awareness of early stage type 1 diabetes only. It does not provide the knowledge, skills, competencies, or professional qualifications required to deliver diabetes care and must not be used as evidence of competence to provide care to people with diabetes. Employers remain responsible for ensuring that staff receive appropriate training and maintain the competencies required for their role.
Further Information
If you would like to request access or discuss how these resources could support
local workforce education and diabetes pathways, please contact the Central
DAFNE Team at dafne@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk.
Funding Statement
The development of the DAFNE early stage type 1 diabetes course was supported
by an educational grant from Sanofi. Sanofi has provided funding but has had no
input to, or influence over, the course content.