Diabetes Training Program Level 1 (Beginner)

Be a Leader in the Fight Against Diabetes

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes—and another 84 million have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That’s one in every three Americans. In fact, there’s a good chance you’re already working with clients who suffer from diabetes.

The best weapon in the fight against diabetes is you—the health and fitness professional. Working effectively with this population, however, requires some specific knowledge and skills. The Diabetes Training Program was created to give health and fitness professionals greater knowledge and understanding of how to work with clients with either diabetes or prediabetes, and who may have health complications that must be managed during physical activity in order for them to train safely and effectively.

Led by Sheri R. Colberg, PhD, FACSM—one of the world's leading authorities on exercise and diabetes, and a published researcher who has influenced modern diabetes care—this three-part course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to make a true difference in the lives of those suffering from diabetes.

Now with expanded content including videos, this course is first in a three-part Diabetes Training series. It is recommended that all three courses be taken to maximize the learning experience.

Career Outlook

Diabetes and prediabetes affect one third of the American population—and that number is continually rising. Learning the necessary skills to effectively train those with diabetes and prediabetes will open up vast opportunities for health and fitness professionals to reach one of the largest—and most in need—client populations. The information learned in this course will help you gain a more holistic view of the physical treatment of diabetes and allow you to play an integral role in the healthcare continuum. 

Level 1

This foundational level covers the basics on how to work with clients with diabetes or prediabetes with health complications that must be managed for them to train safely and effectively.  Master the basics of being physically active with diabetes or prediabetes, including types of training that are appropriate and critical, injury prevention, blood glucose monitoring, medication basics (and exercise effects), complications, and exercise.

You will learn:

• To master the basics of diabetes—including the different types and potential health complications.
• More about the common responses to physical activity in people with diabetes or prediabetes.
• To effectively create a training routine for your diabetic clients that will help optimize their performance and avoid injury.
• The basics of working with clients impacted by overweight or obesity, as well as older clients with diabetes or prediabetes.

Learn more about how Level 2 and Level 3 build upon Level 1 to broaden your knowledge and provide you with a well-rounded education in best serving clients with diabetes.