Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit prepares learners to deliver health services as a diabetes educator equipping them with the theoretical knowledge. The epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology and diagnosis of diabetes and its complications and comorbidities will be covered. Content will include pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to manage diabetes. Relevant medications, devices and monitoring will be covered. Relevant guidelines will be introduced.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationModeFirst year of offer
Not available in 2025OnlineOnline
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate the provision of evidence-based diabetes management and education and (2) apply decision-making, critical thinking and problem solving skills to the physiological and psycho-social issues affecting diabetes management using a holistic person-centred approach.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) case studies; (2) case presentations; and (3) participation in assessed online discussion forums. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Amy Page
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
PHCY5155 Models of Service Delivery PHCY5150 Policy Frameworks Around Health and Ageing
or Successful completion of
PHCY5156 Medication Management Reviews PHCY5157 Aged Care Pharmacy
Contact hours
This unit is available online in asynchronous format of learning.
Note
Diabetes is a National Health Priority Area affecting an estimated 1 in 20 Australians, or just over 1.3 million people. The disease is characterised by high levels of glucose in the blood caused by an inability to either make and/or use insulin effectively. The high glucose levels affect nearly every part of the body including eyesight, poor wound healing and continence as well as causing kidney damage, amputations and heart attacks. Diabetes causes around 124,000 years of health life to be lost every year in Australia at a cost of $3.4 billion (about $2615 per Australian with diabetes) to the healthcare system.

Diabetes educators are registered health professionals who have undertaken further training. Diabetes educators are government-funded to provide services to support people living with diabetes to help them manage their sugar levels and health to prevent disease progression and serious outcomes.

Professional Recognition
This unit is part of a sequence that meets the requirements of the Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) for the formal learning in Step 1 towards becoming a Credentialled Diabetes Educator. More information on the pathway to becoming a Credentialled Diabetes Educator is available from the ADEA here: https://www.adea.com.au/credentialling/initial-credentialling-2/

To meet the requirements, learners must successfully complete a minimum of a Graduate Certificate that includes the following units:
PHCY5163 Diabetes Education 1
PHCY5164 Diabetes Education 2

As well as either:
PHCY5156 Medication Management Reviews
PHCY5157 Aged Care Pharmacy
OR
PHCY5150 Policy Frameworks Around Health and Ageing
PHCY5155 Models of Service Delivery
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.