Diabetes – the Essential Facts from Coursera

Across the world more than 420 million people are living with diabetes. Two thirds of these have not yet been diagnosed. When discovered late or managed incorrectly, diabetes can damage your heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves, leading to disability and premature death. In fact, more people are dying of diabetes related diseases than of diseases as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.

This course will provide you with an introduction to the most recent research in the field of prevention and treatment of diabetes as well as a broader understanding of the situation in different communities, rich and poor, across the world, where diabetes threatens public health.

What kind of disease is diabetes, who has it, and who is at risk of getting it? And what are the roles of medicine, exercise and nutrition when trying to prevent, delay or treat diabetes?

During the course you will meet researchers and experts from Imperial College London, Emory University in Atlanta, Steno Diabetes Center in Copenhagen as well as the School of Global Health and the Center for Basic Metabolic Research at the University of Copenhagen.

They work with very different aspects of diabetes, from microbiology to global public health, but what ties them together is the belief that it is a global responsibility to combat diabetes, and this fight can only be won through new knowledge and global collaboration.

We hope you will join us in the course and equip yourself to take part in the ongoing discussions of this truly global and individual health challenge.

This course is also part of the EIT Health programme.

What's inside

Syllabus

Fundamentals of Diabetes

In this first module you will be introduced to the fundamentals about diabetes. This includes both the biomedical and public health aspects, such as a description of the different types of diabetes, a profile of the most at risk people and populations as well as an introduction to the epidemiological trends that have changed dramatically over the last decades.

Prevention and Treatment

In this second module you will be introduced to the important roles of nutrition and exercise when preventing and treating diabetes. We will have a more detailed look at the role of obesity and overweight and also focus on the challenges of fighting diabetes in low- and middle-income countries.

Diabetes in the Future

In this final module we will discuss some of the new research and treatment methods for diabetes, such as surgery or microships, and then we will ask the researchers where they see the field going in the future. The last lesson will be followed by a short peer-review assignment, where you have to submit a short text, and afterwards review the submissions of your peers.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores history, current trends, and forthcoming medical treatments in diabetes

Teaches epidemiology, which can be applied in medical research and public health

Involves researchers and experts sharing their research and work in diabetes

Part of the EIT Health programme, indicating quality and recognition in the healthcare industry

Taught by instructors from Imperial College London, Emory University, and the University of Copenhagen, who are recognized for their work in diabetes

Reviews summary

Diabetes – the essential facts

learners say this is a largely positive course that clearly presents essential facts about diabetes. Informative interviews with experts cover essential facts and impart tips for managing and preventing this disease. Students call out the engaging assignments that require learners to synthesize material. However, peer reviews may sometimes be hampered by plagiarism.

Students widely agree that the course is clearly communicated and well-organized.

"Excellent course on introduction to Diabetes"

"its a good way to educate people. I love it"

"Very helpful course! Highly recommended! :-)"

"This was an engaging and informative course! "

Learners appreciate the engaging approach to assignments that require them to apply their knowledge.

"Thank you very much for providing good course."

"I was very much benefited by doing this course"

"It was very insightful. I highly recommend it"

"Very informative, honestly I enjoy this course."

Students appreciate the practical advice offered by experts on how to prevent and manage diabetes.

"So helpful and Informational Content"

"I get lot of new information about disease"

"Very informative and interesting :)"

"Excellent program to learn..Thank you"

Informative elements include interviews with experts, lectures on various diabetes topics, and readings that offer additional insights.

"Informative course I've enjoyed learning"

"It's amazing course thanks so much"

"I found this course relevant and engaging"

"I learned so much from this course.Thank you"

A few students complain that the peer review system led to low-quality reviews. However, other students do not mention this as a problem.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Diabetes – the Essential Facts with these activities:

Review Fundamentals of Diabetes

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Reviewing the fundamentals of diabetes will prepare you for the more advanced topics covered in the course.

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Read the course syllabus and introduction module
Take notes on the key concepts covered in the readings
Complete the self-assessment quiz at the end of the introduction module

Learn How to Use a Blood Glucose Meter

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Learning how to use a blood glucose meter is an essential skill for people with diabetes. This tutorial will teach you how to use a meter to check your blood sugar levels.

Browse courses on Diabetes Management

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Practice using the blood glucose meter
Find a tutorial on how to use a blood glucose meter
Watch the tutorial and follow the instructions

Discuss Diabetes Management Strategies

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Discussing diabetes management strategies with peers will help you learn from the experiences of others and develop your own personalized approach to managing diabetes.

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Join a diabetes support group or online forum
Participate in discussions about different diabetes management strategies
Share your own experiences and insights

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Read 'Diabetes: The Essential Guide' by Dr. William Polonsky

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Reading this book will provide you with a comprehensive overview of diabetes, including the latest research on prevention and treatment.

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Read the book
Take notes on the key concepts covered in the book
Discuss the book with a friend or family member

Develop a Diabetes Prevention Plan

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Creating a diabetes prevention plan will help you understand the lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

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Research different lifestyle changes that can help prevent diabetes
Create a plan that includes specific goals and strategies
Share your plan with a friend or family member for feedback

Create a Diabetes Management Plan

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Creating a diabetes management plan will help you track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

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Set specific goals for your diabetes management
Create a plan that includes lifestyle changes, medications, and monitoring
Share your plan with your healthcare provider for feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Diabetes – the Essential Facts will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Diabetes Educator

Diabetes educators teach people to manage their diabetes. As they plan their daily food intake and implement new ways to live a healthier lifestyle, diabetes educators help people with diabetes. They also help people learn how to manage blood glucose levels, administer insulin, and monitor for complications, as per the principles they learn from the course about managing diabetes through exercise and nutrition. This makes the Diabetes - The Essential Facts course a valuable resource for aspiring diabetes educators.

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Registered Dietitian

Registered dietitians provide dietary advice to individuals and groups. They use their knowledge of nutrition to help people make healthy choices about what to eat. This Diabetes - The Essential Facts course can help Registered Dietitians to better understand the impact of diabetes on the body and how to develop effective dietary plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Dietitian

Physician Assistant

Physician assistants provide medical care to patients under the supervision of a physician. They perform physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, and prescribe medications. This Diabetes - The Essential Facts course can help Physician Assistants improve their knowledge of diabetes and its complications, which will enable them to provide better care to their patients.

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Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners provide primary care to patients. They perform physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, and prescribe medications. The Diabetes - The Essential Facts course can help Nurse Practitioners improve their knowledge of diabetes and its complications, which will enable them to provide better care to their patients.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. They also monitor patients' progress and make sure they are taking their medications as prescribed. This Diabetes - The Essential Facts course can help Pharmacists improve their knowledge of diabetes and its complications, which will enable them to provide better care to their patients.

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Health Educator

Health educators develop and implement educational programs to promote healthy behaviors. They work with individuals, groups, and communities to improve health outcomes. The Diabetes - The Essential Facts course can help Health Educators develop more effective programs to prevent and manage diabetes.

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Social Worker

Social workers help people cope with the social, emotional, and financial challenges of living with diabetes. They provide counseling, support groups, and other services to help people manage their condition. The Diabetes - The Essential Facts course can help Social Workers gain a better understanding of diabetes and its impact on individuals and families.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and spread of diseases. They use their findings to develop prevention and control strategies. The Diabetes - The Essential Facts course can help Epidemiologists learn more about the epidemiology of diabetes and how to develop effective prevention and control programs.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze data about health and disease. They work with epidemiologists and other researchers to design studies, collect data, and interpret results. The Diabetes - The Essential Facts course can help Biostatisticians learn more about the statistical methods used to study diabetes and its complications.

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Medical Writer

Medical writers create educational materials about health and disease. They work with healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public to communicate accurate and up-to-date information. The Diabetes - The Essential Facts course can help Medical Writers learn more about diabetes and how to write about it in a clear and engaging way.

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Science Writer

Science writers communicate complex scientific information to a lay audience. They work with scientists, journalists, and the general public to explain the latest advances in science and medicine. The Diabetes - The Essential Facts course can help Science Writers learn more about diabetes and how to write about it in a clear and accessible way.

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Public Health Educator

Public health educators develop and implement educational programs to promote healthy behaviors. They work with communities to identify and address health concerns. The Diabetes - The Essential Facts course can help Public Health Educators learn more about diabetes and how to develop effective prevention and control programs.

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Research Scientist

Research scientists conduct research to investigate the causes and treatments for diseases. They work in laboratories and clinics to develop new drugs and therapies. The Diabetes - The Essential Facts course can help Research Scientists learn more about diabetes and how to conduct research in this field.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health policy analysts develop and evaluate policies to improve the health of the population. They work with government agencies, healthcare organizations, and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies that promote health and prevent disease. The Diabetes - The Essential Facts course can help Health Policy Analysts learn more about diabetes and how to develop policies to prevent and control it.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators plan, organize, and direct the delivery of healthcare services. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings to ensure that patients receive quality care. The Diabetes - The Essential Facts course can help Healthcare Administrators learn more about diabetes and how to manage healthcare services for people with diabetes.

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