Government Pavilion, C/ Padre Herrera s/n
Post Office Box 456
38200, San Cristobal de La Laguna
Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Spain
Switchboard Tel.: (+34) 922 31 90 00
Hours: Mon, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Nutritional Approach to Diabetes
Nutritional Approach to Diabetes
Overview
This micro-credential qualifies individuals to address the nutritional aspects of diabetes, analyzing its pathophysiology and clinical implications. The program enables the interpretation of clinical data, the application of evidence-based recommendations, and the design of personalized nutritional plans, integrating treatment, lifestyle, and patient education from a multidisciplinary perspective.
- Understanding the pathophysiology of diabetes, its types, and its implications for nutritional intervention.
- Design evidence-based individualized nutrition plans for patients with diabetes.
- Apply effective dietary strategies for glycemic control.
- Interpret clinical, biochemical parameters and monitoring data (e.g., continuous glucose) relevant to nutritional practice.
- Integrating nutritional education as a therapeutic tool in the management of diabetes.
- Adapt the dietary intervention to the individual and contextual characteristics of the patient (age, comorbidities, lifestyle).
- Be between 25 and 64 years of age on the date the training begins.
- To hold an official Spanish university degree or another degree issued by a higher education institution belonging to another Member State of the European Higher Education Area, which qualifies for access to master's level studies in that State.
- Holding a degree issued by an educational system outside the European Higher Education Area without official recognition or a declaration of equivalence. In these cases, the academic director will submit a report to the Academic Committee, which will authorize or deny admission. Under no circumstances will authorization imply official recognition of the foreign degree.,
nor its recognition for purposes other than pursuing postgraduate studies at the ULL. - Be a graduate in Human Nutrition and Dietetics on the date of commencement of training.
- Provide proof of membership in a Professional Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists on the date of commencement of training.
Academic program
Module 1. Clinical and therapeutic bases of diabetes (5 hours)
- Classification and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.
- Pathophysiology of type 1, type 2 and other types of diabetes.
- Treatment goals and glycemic control according to clinical reference guidelines.
- Pharmacological approach: types of drugs, mechanisms of action and nutritional implications.
- Supplementation in diabetes: current evidence and clinical application.
Module 2. Nutritional approach to diabetes (4 hours)
- Principles of dietary intervention in diabetes.
- Individualized dietary planning.
- Carbohydrate management: counting, glycemic index, and glycemic load.
- Nutritional strategies for glycemic control.
- Adapting the intervention to different patient profiles.
Module 3. Continuous glucose monitoring applied to nutrition (4 hours)
- Fundamentals of continuous glucose monitors (CGM).
- Interpretation of key metrics: time in range, glycemic variability, trends.
- Characteristics of other technological tools applied to diabetes
- Adjustment of dietary planning based on glycemic patterns.
Module 4. Healthcare approach and health context (2 hours)
- Organization of the approach to diabetes in the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS).
- Coordination between levels of care.
Module 5. Psychological factors and eating behavior (2 hours)
- Psychological barriers in diabetes management.
- Adherence to nutritional treatment.
- Eating disorders associated with diabetes.
- Patient-centered nutritional education strategies.
Module 6. Complications and multidisciplinary approach (1 hour)
- Acute and chronic complications of diabetes.
- Impact of complications on nutritional intervention.
- Role of physiotherapy in the treatment and functional management of the patient.
Module 7. Physical exercise and glycemic control (1 hour)
- Effects of physical exercise on blood glucose regulation.
- Physical activity recommendations for patients with diabetes.
Module 8. Community approach and support resources (1 hour) - The role of patient associations in the Canary Islands.
- Community resources available for people with diabetes.
- Importance of the social environment in the management of the disease.
- Theoretical classes: expository, explanatory or demonstration sessions of the contents and knowledge.
- Independent work: independent and self-regulated activity of the student based on the documentation and guidelines proposed in the subject, preparation of classes and exams, preparation of final reports, internship reports…
- Assessment: continuous assessment tests and final exams.
The tests will be virtual and will be conducted in written form.
The micro-credential will be developed in a virtual format, combining:
- Lectures/expository method: presentation or explanation by the
faculty. - Personal study: preparation for tests, exams, etc.
- Assessment: written tests, oral tests, practical tests, …
- Tutoring: a period of instruction in which teachers and students interact with the
The objective is to review and discuss materials and topics presented in class.
The microcredential will have an evaluation system (ES) based on the following evaluation tests:
Objective tests (true/false, multiple choice, test-type, fill-in-the-blank, ordering, etc.): These are measurement instruments that allow for the evaluation of knowledge, skills, performance, aptitudes, etc. The answers are closed-ended, thus promoting objectivity during the scoring process.
General information
Credits: 2 ECTS
Duration: 13/05/2026 – 29/05/2026
Teaching modality: 100% asynchronous online training.
Location: Virtual Campus of the University of La Laguna
Valued at: €145
The cost of tuition for this Microcredential will be subsidized by the 'Plan for the development of university microcredentials', investment 6 of component 21 of the Addendum to the 'Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan', financed by the European Union – Next Generation EU, year 2025.
Short courses available in various formats (in-person, online, or hybrid). Ideal for learning without interrupting your professional life.
Content created and delivered by professionals and experts in the field, designed for immediate application.
Endorsed by the University of La Laguna. You will receive an official ECTS certificate, valid in the European Higher Education Area.
Teaching staff
Berta Pinto Robayna
Daniel Pereda de Pablo
Jesus Manuel Garcia Acosta
María Asensio
Elsa Espinosa Pozuelo
Silvia Rodríguez Rodríguez
Jesus Alexis Socorro Ojeda
Encarnación Cebrián Cuevas
Jerónimo Pedro Fernández González
Jessica Martín Marrero
