Updated Diabetes Section for First Aid Trainers

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

We’ve made some important updates to the diabetes section in your training materials, based on feedback from trainers Robin K and Kate M. These updates are aimed at providing clearer information on managing low blood sugar (hypos) and high blood sugar (hypers).

These updates are specifically relevant to the following courses:

• First Aid at Work (3 day)
• Paediatric First Aid (2 day)
• Emergency First Aid for Pharmacists (1 day)

However, the updated information will be useful for all first aid trainers, no matter what courses you’re delivering.

1. Good First Aid Guide (GFAG) Updates

The Good First Aid Guide (GFAG) has been revised to align with the latest information from Diabetes UK and the NHS.

• We’ve made the definitions around diabetes clearer, noting that it’s a condition where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the insulin doesn’t work effectively.
• The guide now uses the terms “hypos” (for low blood sugar) and “hypers” (for high blood sugar), reflecting common terminology used by healthcare professionals.

Note:
While the previous GFAG was still accurate, this updated version offers more detailed guidance to help you and your delegates better understand and manage diabetic emergencies. You’ll see this updated version in future delegate pack orders.

2. Changes to the Signs & Symptoms Cards Activity

We’ve also updated the  guidance for the Signs & Symptoms cards activity, with a focus on improving clarity around diabetes symptoms:

• Janine’s card: Stays focused on low blood sugar (hypos), with clear symptoms like sweating, weakness, and slurred speech.
• James’ card: Should be used to to highlight the subtle signs of high blood sugar (hypers), including drowsiness, thirst, and warm, dry skin, helping trainers explain that these symptoms are sometimes harder to recognise.

These updates will help you show the difference between obvious and more subtle symptoms, so delegates can become more confident in managing diabetic cases.

3. Directive (Lesson Plan) & Presentation Updates

We’ve also updated the learning objectives in the Directive (lesson plan) to reflect the latest changes:

• The learning objectives now focus on helping delegates identify and treat both hypos and hypers.
• If you’re using the new live presentations, you’ll notice these updates there as well. Make sure to review the updated slides and lesson plans before your next session.

For more information about the live presentations, check out our update:
New First Aid Online Presentations

What’s Next?

• Look out for the updated GFAG in your future delegate pack orders.
• The revised Directive (lesson plan) will be available on the Trainer Hub with your next order.
• Trainers already using the live presentations will see these changes there too!

Thank you again to Robin K and Kate M for their feedback! If you have any questions or need more details, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Want to Learn More About Diabetes?

For more details on managing hypos and hypers, visit:

• Diabetes UK – Hypos and Hypers:
  Hypos
  Hypers
• NHS – Diabetes:
  NHS Diabetes Overview