Are carbs the enemy? Understanding the nutritional needs of patients with diabetes

The "Are Carbs the Enemy? Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Patients with Diabetes" course equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to provide effective, patient-centred nutritional care for individuals managing diabetes. The course consists of two comprehensive units that delve into the science and practice of dietary management for diabetes.

Unit 1: Carbohydrates and Diabetes – Part A
This unit introduces the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the nutritional challenges faced by individuals with diabetes. The focus is on the role of carbohydrates in the diet, their effects on glycemic control, and the importance of individualising nutritional care.
Key topics include:
- Glycemic control and its role in diabetes management.
- Carbohydrate types: simple vs. complex, and their physiological impacts.
- Understanding the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) for dietary planning.
- Nutritional priorities for people with diabetes, including healthy eating, weight loss, and individualised dietary plans.
Participants will also learn about the evolution of carbohydrate counting and how modern practices focus on flexibility and sustainability for patients.

Unit 2: The Debate on Low-Carb and Ketogenic Diets – Part B
This unit dives into the controversial topic of low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets, evaluating their potential benefits and challenges for managing diabetes. Participants will explore how to incorporate these dietary approaches into clinical practice effectively.
Key topics include:
- Defining low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets and their metabolic effects.
- Evidence supporting these diets for glycemic control, weight loss, and cardiovascular health.
- Challenges and limitations, including long-term safety concerns, nutrient deficiencies, and patient adherence.
- Practical considerations for supporting patients, including case studies and strategies for engaging with dietary preferences and family dynamics.

This unit emphasises the importance of individualised dietary advice and highlights the need for collaborative care involving dieticians and other healthcare professionals.
By the end of the course, participants will have a nuanced understanding of the dietary needs of patients with diabetes and the confidence to tailor evidence-based recommendations to diverse patient needs, preferences, and goals.