Unit outline_

MBHT5002: Advanced Diabetes Management

Semester 2, 2025 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This highly clinically based and practical unit of study is the advanced diabetes unit at postgraduate level and provides clinicians with an advanced understanding of the effective management of diabetes mellitus. It builds on the Diabetes Management unit of study (MBHT5001) by focusing on type 1 diabetes and exploring new technology, including continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery systems. You will learn about advanced nutrition management in diabetes, bariatric surgery, complex insulin regimens, insulin pump therapy, and important aspects of care, such as exercise, psychosocial management, driving and pregnancy. The management of diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular disease, painful and autonomic neuropathy, diabetic foot disease, retinopathy, and diabetic kidney disease, will be discussed. The role of emerging therapies in type 1 diabetes, and diabetes translational research will also be examined.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Metabolic Health
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

This unit is intended for medical graduates who have experience in clinical care of patients. It is recommended that MBHT5001 Diabetes Management unit of study is studied first, unless the student has a good understanding of the content covered in the MBHT5001 unit of study outline.

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Victoria Rudland, victoria.rudland@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam
? 
Final graded exam
Online MCQ
30% Formal exam period 1 hour AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Out-of-class quiz Early Feedback Task Module Quizzes
See Canvas for details
10% Multiple weeks 5 x Module quizzes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Contribution Case Discussion 1
Case Study
15% Week 04
Due date: 31 Aug 2025 at 23:59
1 primary response and 2 peer replies AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Contribution Case Discussion 2
Case Study
15% Week 08
Due date: 28 Sep 2025 at 23:59
1 primary response and 2 peer replies AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Written work Literature Review
Literature Review
30% Week 13
Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59
1500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

  • Case discussions: Students are to detail what they see as the main priorities for the initial assessment and management for each case provided. 
  • Literature review: Students are to write an essay based on one of the listed topics. 
  • Final exam: The final graded exam will take place during the formal examination period. The final exam is a graded, fully invigilated exam conducted via Canvas with the help of an online proctor. 
  • Module Quizzes: Each module in the unit of study includes a quiz comprising of multiple choice questions.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Module 1.1: Diagnosing Type 1 Diabetes and Other Types of Diabetes Online class (10 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 02 Module 1.2: Evaluation of Glycaemia Online class (10 hr) LO2 LO6
Week 03 Module 2.1: Insulin Therapy and Advanced Nutrition Management in Type 1 Diabetes Online class (10 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Module 2.2: Insulin Pump Therapy and Exercise in Type 1 Diabetes Online class (10 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 05 Module 2.3: Emerging Therapies in Type 1 Diabetes Online class (10 hr) LO4
Week 06 Module 3.1: Advanced Insulin Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Online class (10 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 07 Module 3.2: Bariatric Surgery in Diabetes Online class (10 hr) LO3
Week 08 Module 4.1: Assessment of Diabetes Comorbidities and Psychosocial Factors Online class (10 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 09 Module 4.2: Managing Macrovascular and Microvascular Complications of Diabetes Online class (10 hr) LO5
Week 10 Module 4.3: Managing Other Complications of Diabetes, including High Risk Foot Care Online class (10 hr) LO5
Week 11 Module 4.4: Acute Complications of Diabetes and Other Important Aspects of Diabetes Care Online class (10 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Module 5.1: Transitional Diabetes Care Online class (10 hr) LO6
Week 13 Module 5.2: Pre-Existing Diabetes in Pregnancy Online class (10 hr) LO6

Attendance and class requirements

  • Workshop Attendance: The workshop will be run online and attendance is strongly encouraged.
  • Required materials: The following equipment is required in order to take the final exam: a desktop computer or laptop (not tablet), a webcam and microphone, an internet connection speed of at least 2 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload speed and a browser with pop-up blocker disabled (Chrome is recommended).

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Recognise the common clinical presentations of type 1 diabetes and differentiate it from other types of diabetes
  • LO2. Conduct a comprehensive clinical assessment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes
  • LO3. Describe the roles of advanced nutrition management and bariatric surgery in diabetes prevention and management
  • LO4. Explain the management of type 1 and complex type 2 diabetes, including intensive insulin regimens, insulin pump therapy, and emerging therapies
  • LO5. Screen and manage diabetes complications
  • LO6. Understand special considerations specific to diabetes subgroups, including transitional care and pregnancy

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We value your feedback about any aspect of the unit of study and your experience as a student of Sydney Medical School. To help ensure our courses meet your needs and maintain a high standard, we welcome your feedback at any time and we ask you to complete the Mid-Semester Evaluation and the Unit of Study Survey at the end of the semester. Your ratings and comments are anonymous and specifying what you liked and didn’t like about any of the learning materials, assessment items, discussion forums, feedback etc will help us to target our improvement efforts. Please note that your participation in this unit of study permits de-identified information about your learning experience and interaction with learning resources to be used for the purpose of improving the student learning experience.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances

  • A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory

  • Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories

  • In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door

  • First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory

  • As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.