The Diabetes Sessions: Confidence & Clarity in Interpreting Diabetes Care
4 Structured CPD Points

Join us for The Diabetes Sessions – a two-part CPD training designed specifically for British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters and translators. If you’ve ever felt unsure when interpreting complex diabetes-related conversations, this course is here to give you the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools to do the job well.

Whether you’re working in healthcare, education, or public service settings, you’ll come away with a clearer understanding of diabetes, treatment pathways, and how to navigate medical terminology with visual precision and cultural sensitivity.

Led by Ayesha Gavin, RSLT and experienced trainer, and Rincy Sajith, Diabetes Specialist Nurse and Lecturer at the University of Salford, this course blends clinical expertise with real-world interpreting support – all tailored to the demands of diabetes-related interpreting.

What You’ll Gain

A clear grounding in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Familiarity with common tests, treatments, and terminology
Greater confidence interpreting diabetes-related content in BSL
Strategies to explain complex concepts visually and accessibly
Insight into the real-life impact of living with diabetes
A richer, more accurate vocabulary toolkit for medical interpreting

Session Details

Session 1: Tuesday 9th September | 18:00–20:00
Understanding Diabetes – Causes, Diagnosis, and Management

What diabetes is – beyond “high sugar”
Type 1 vs Type 2 – causes, symptoms, and differences
Glucose, insulin, and how the body processes sugar
Medical pathways: how diabetes is diagnosed and managed
BSL focus: glucose, insulin, HbA1c, symptoms
Activities: myth-busting quiz, sign-matching games, device demos

Session 2: Tuesday 16th September | 18:00–20:00
Treatment, Complications, and Life with Diabetes

How diabetes is treated: insulin, tablets, diet, lifestyle
Emergency situations: hypos, DKA, and how to respond
Living with diabetes: mental health, pregnancy, work life
Long-term complications and impacts on the body
BSL focus: insulin pumps, metformin, DKA, burnout, screening
Activities: case studies, symptom challenges, accuracy games

Who Is This For?

Ideal for BSL interpreters and translators working in:

Healthcare (NHS or private)
Education (schools, colleges, universities)
Community and public service roles

Whether you’re newly qualified or highly experienced, this course offers fresh perspectives, practical tools, and space for learning with peers.

Meet the Trainers

Ayesha Gavin is a qualified RSLT and an experienced BSL translator, educator, and trainer. As founder of Heart of BSL, she’s worked with NHS Trusts, schools, councils, and major employers across the UK. Ayesha specialises in Deaf awareness, inclusive practice, and creating accessible training that empowers professionals and communities alike.

Rincy Sajith is a Lecturer in Nursing at the University of Salford and former NHS Diabetes Specialist Nurse. With a background in advanced clinical practice, diabetes care, and health research, Rincy brings deep insight and clarity to her teaching. She’s a DAFNE educator and NIHR GCP facilitator, with qualifications from AIIMS, the University of Manchester, and Salford.

Additional Information

CPD Points: 4 Structured
Trainers: Ayesha Gavin & Rincy Sajith
Language: English and BSL (interpreters provided)
Cameras: Preferably on
Participation: Active – includes breakout rooms
Recorded: No