Leicester Diabetes Centre’s (LDC) EDEN team has developed a diabetes education programme specifically designed for those supporting people with diabetes in care homes or home care environments in the UK, including care home staff, community care teams, registered nurses, and non-registered practitioners.

Care homes play a critical role in managing hypoglycaemia risks and preventing harm in a vulnerable population. By providing standardised, competency-based education across the UK, EDEN aims to ensure consistent, high-quality care for residents with diabetes, regardless of location or care provider. Reducing care variation and enhancing care quality aligns with key objectives for Integrated Care Services (ICS) development across both commissioning and provider sectors.

James Ridgeway, Education and Research Associate and Diabetes Specialist Nurse for LDC, explains: “Approximately 25% of people in care home settings live with diabetes, many of whom have complex needs. Diabetes education for care home staff is crucial for safe and effective care for individuals living with the condition they support.”

EDEN’s educational sessions, whether online or face-to-face, are interactive and led by experts. The sessions have been developed with stakeholder feedback and the educational needs of care home staff. The sessions cover essential topics such as:

• Screening, risk factors, diagnosis, initial treatment, and complications.
• Technology use, blood glucose monitoring, and medication management.
• Care for the frail and elderly, addressing highs and lows in blood sugar, and foot care.
• Insulin management, end-of-life care, mental well-being, dementia, and more.

All programmes are certified and include Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours.

Over two years, in partnership with Sanofi, EDEN has delivered training to over 2000 care home staff, leading to the following significant improvements:

• A 23-33% increase in knowledge and confidence.
• A 32% increase in staff competency in blood glucose monitoring.
• A 25% increase in insulin administration competency.
• A 60% reduction in insulin administration delays.
• A 90% reduction in diabetes medication errors.
• A 61% reduction in insulin errors.
• An 18% reduction in GP or ambulance callouts.
• A 50% reduction in diabetes-related hospital admissions.

“Based on these outcomes, we strongly believe in the power of community-driven positive change,” James adds.

EDEN has delivered award-winning education programmes locally, nationally, and internationally, including in commercial partnerships, for over a decade. To find out more about EDEN and the EDEN Cares education programme, visit: www.edendiabetes.com/education-blog/2020/8/10/eden-cares