Diabetes paraprofessionals* are in a prime position to help improve patients’ behaviors related to prediabetes, diabetes, and the risk for its associated conditions. This Diabetes Essentials for Non-Clinicians Certificate program follows national guidelines in providing the paraprofessional with the knowledge, guidance and resources necessary for facilitating culturally competent care with diabetes prevention and diabetes management within their scope of practice. Students will learn about the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care, and through interactive assignments, apply this knowledge to address barriers to diabetes self-care behaviors (such as health eating, being active, monitoring and taking medications) that face several minority populations. Students will receive a Certificate of Completion upon completing all three courses.
*Diabetes paraprofessionals have various roles in facilitating self-care and may include lay health workers, community health workers, peer counselors, health navigators, health coaches, assistive school personnel, dental hygienists , certified nursing assistants, medical assistants, dietetic technicians, registered pharmacy technicians, physical therapy assistants, and licensed vocational nurses.
The certificate consists of three courses priced at $99 individually, or $249 for all three.
UDBM 110 INTRODUCTION TO DIABETES BASICS
Course Description
Upon completion of this first course, Introduction to Diabetes Basics, the student will be able to describe clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and management of diabetes, and what part their role plays in addressing these standards of care. This includes learning about the basic types of diabetes, how to minimize modifiable risk factors and possible complications, as well as communication strategies to foster patient advocacy, empowerment, and resolve team conflict. Students will also learn how to educate about the A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol, the benefits of a weight-inclusive approach in diabetes management and how to advocate for the needs of individuals with diabetes.
UDBM 120 FACILITATING SELF-CARE BEHAVIORS
Course Description 2
Upon completion of this second course, Facilitating Self-Care, the student will be able to demonstrate familiarity with core self-care behaviors1 necessary for diabetes wellness (such as healthy eating, being active, healthy coping and problem-solving situations like hypoglycemia). This includes being able to provide diabetes-related information consistent with the care team, understanding how common medications, injectables, and supplements work to manage diabetes and related conditions, describing how to prepare technology for an in person or telehealth visit, setting realistic goals, and referring to local resources.
UDBM 130 CULTURAL COMPETENCY IN DIABETES CARE
Course Description 3
Upon completion of this third course, Cultural Competency in Diabetes Care, the student will be able to demonstrate diabetes support and care from youth through elderly populations in a culturally-competent manner. The student will learn how to remove barriers to common health equity disparities in experienced in several minority populations. This includes reviewing foods specific to several cultures, learning about how food insecurity and social determinants of health impact diverse communities with diabetes, and promoting health in a manner that matches the unique needs of the individual.