Your web browser is outdated and may be insecure

The RCN recommends using an updated browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome

Diabetes: Professional Resources

Diabetes Essentials

This updated resource will provide you with an overview of:

  • the core concepts of diabetes
  • diagnosis and current treatments
  • your role and responsibilities in regard to treating people living with diabetes. 

RCN resources

RCN publications

  • Advanced Preparation of Insulin Syringes for Adult Patients to Administer at Home (2021). This updated guidance has been developed for nursing practitioners working in a variety of settings, and highlights the professional, organisational and safety issues that must be addressed when pre-loading insulin syringes for later use by a person with diabetes.
  • Genomics subject guide
  • Starting Injectable Treatments in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. This guidance has been developed as a resource for nurses and clinical staff working in general practice and community settings to effectively care for people living with type 2 diabetes, who are starting or using injectable treatments. 

Diabetes resources

Guidance

Joint British Diabetes Society. Practical guidelines that can be adopted/adjusted to meet local need.

NHS England, Royal College of Physicians, and the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists. Clinical guide for the management of people with diabetes during the coronavirus pandemic.

NICE diabetes guidance: This webpage includes everything NICE has produced on the topic of diabetes: related NICE guidelines; pathways; quality standards and advice. There is guidance for adults, children and young people, diabetes in pregnancy, footcare; type 1 and 2 diabetes and preventing type 2 diabetes. (England and Wales).

SIGN. Management of Diabetes. These guidelines (116 & 154) provide recommendations based on current evidence for best practice in the management of diabetes.

TREND Diabetes. A working group of diabetes nurses with different skills and backgrounds, providing a collective voice for all diabetes nursing groups. Resources include patient education materials, best practice guidance and competency frameworks.

Further resources

Diabetes.co.uk is a growing community of people with diabetes and those with an interest in the condition, offering their own support and first-hand knowledge.

Diabetes UK is the leading charity that cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of every person affected by or at risk of diabetes. 

Diabetes UK: State of the nation 2016: Time to take control of diabetes. This report sets out actions to improve the delivery of the 15 healthcare essentials for adults with diabetes, and to improve care for children and young people.  

Diabetes UK: Diabetes and emotional health - a practical guide for healthcare professionals supporting adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. This guide offers strategies and tools for how to recognise and have conversations about emotional problems, as well as for providing appropriate support.

Diabetes UK: Putting feet first campaignThis campaign aims to bring an end to the thousands of potentially preventable amputations affecting people with diabetes. 

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Fundation funds research to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes.

The International Diabetes Federation is an umbrella organization of over 230 national diabetes associations in 170 countries. It represents the interests of the growing number of people with diabetes and those at risk.

NHS Choices: Diabetes. This webpage provides comprehensive health information on diabetes.

NHS England. NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHSDPP).

National Institute for Health Research (NIHR): On The Level: Evidence for action on type 2 diabetes (PDF). This review brings together NIHR research on each aspect of type 2 diabetes care.

World Health Organization. Diabetes

Diabetes – the recognition and management of acute and chronic complications

This joint presentation from the RCN and the University of Northumbria will help you to find out more about the recognition and management of diabetes (PDF)

Page last updated - 26/01/2024