Diabetes - a Global Challenge from Coursera

Diabetes and obesity are growing health problems in rich and poor countries alike. With this course you will get updated on cutting-edge diabetes and obesity research including biological, genetic and clinical aspects as well as prevention and epidemiology of diabetes and obesity. All lectures are provided by high-profile scientists from one the world's leading universities in diabetes research.

This course is part of the EIT Health Campus programme.

We hope you will enjoy our course.

Best Wishes

Jens Juul Holst, Signe Sørensen Torekov and Nicolai Wewer Albrechtsen

Department of Biomedical Sciences Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction and epidemiology of diabetes

We are delighted to be able to welcome you to Diabetes – a Global Challenge. In module 1, we will focus on the epidemiology of diabetes and obesity which we lead us to this week discussion topic: "What the greatest diabetes challenges of our time might be in your opinion?" You can either post your opinion as text or as a link to a short video statement.

Obesity and Prevention of Diabetes

We will start module 2 together by discussing physical activity, its influence on obesity, insulin resistance and the prevention of diabetes.

Physiological Regulation of Plasma Glucose

During module 3 we will focus on physiological  regulation of plasma glucose. Professor Jens Juul Holst will guide you through the complex regulation of glucose in humans. This will be difficult but hang on you will see the usefulness of what you learn in this module during the subsequent modules where we will discuss the incretins and treatment of hyperglycaemia.

The incretins

Incretin biology is now applied in treating subjects with diabetes and recently approved by the FDA for weight reduction. But what do they do? Don't hesitate to start watching the videos because in this module you will learn all about the incretin lead by Professor Jens Juul Holst.

Clinical manifestation of Diabetes and Treatment

We hope that you enjoyed the previous modules about glucose regulation and incretin biology though they may seem more advanced compared to the first modules. We hope you stay with us and learn more about Clinical Manifestation of Diabetes and Treatment by Professor Allan Vaag and Treatment of Hyperglycemia by Professor Sten Madsbad.

Inflammatory Beta-cell Destruction in Diabetes

Inflammatory beta-cell destruction in diabetes by professor Thomas Mandrup-Poulsen. During this module we Professor Mandrup-Poulsen will guide you through cytokines mediated destruction of the pancreatic beta-cells furthermore their potentiality as drugs targets.

Genetic Aspects of Diabetes

Genetics are important for understanding and treating diabetes. In this module Professor Torben Hansen will discuss the genetic aspects of diabetes

Translational Aspects

Translational medicine? Learn more by watching our new module by Assistant Professor Torekov. In this module we will discuss two cases of translational aspects to highlight its importance. In other words we will go from bench to bedside.

Development of antidiabetic agents

Have you ever thought "how to develop a antidiabetic agent?" Professor Birgitte Holst will take you through some potential drug targets and how to use G-protein coupled receptor for treatment of diabetes.

Stem Cell Based Therapy of Diabetes

Module 10 will focus on 'Stem Cell Based Therapy of Diabetes' and the question 'What are the advantages and disadvantages in cell therapy of diabetes?' is raised by Professor Ole Dragsbæk-Madsen.

Exercise – How Does it Work?

Exercise has many beneficial effects - but how does it actually work? Professor Bente Klarlund will take you through the latest scientific research on how the exercise of skeletal muscles affect our organs and entire body.

Peer Graded Assignment

Try to summarize all what you have learned watching these modules and have fun with writing a peer-graded assignment. The goal is simply to integrate what you have learned and put this together in a practical solution based manner.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores topics in diabetes and obesity, preparing learners to navigate these growing global health issues in evidence-based practice

Taught by professors from the University of Copenhagen, which is a world leader in diabetes research

Develops clinical and translational science skills and knowledge, which are essential for both direct patient care and diabetes research

Emphasizes topics like incretin biology and antidiabetic agent development, which are at the forefront of diabetes treatment and research

Provides a comprehensive understanding of diabetes etiology, prevention, and treatment, preparing learners for further study or specialization in the field

Requires students to have a basic understanding of biology and medical science, which may be a barrier for learners without a science background

Delivered entirely online through video lectures and discussion forums, which may not be suitable for learners who prefer in-person instruction

Reviews summary

Diabetes research course

Students say that this course is geared towards undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in diabetes research. Many of the lectures feature researchers presenting their work on molecular biology and physiology . Students say that the course includes quizzes and several graded discussions, which they found to be lively and informative. However, students warn that this course is not a good choice for someone looking for a basic overview of diabetes.

Quizzes are multiple choice and easy to pass.

"The quizzes were very easy as most were multiple choice with three answers, and you got three tries on them (thus I made it through the course )."

Course content is interesting to those in the field.

"if you can slog through all the science, it is very interesting"

Students did not know how to evaluate peer work.

"The peer assessment was disappointing, as most students grading their peers did not really know what to look for."

Course is geared toward upperclassmen and graduate students.

"This is not a beginning overview of diabetes!"

"These are researchers presenting their work, and it is geared to the upper undergrad or grad level student."

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 - a Global Challenge with these activities:

Learn how to use a glucose meter

Show steps

Prepare yourself for the practical aspects of diabetes management

Show steps

Find a tutorial
Follow the steps in the tutorial
Practice using a glucose meter

Practice calculating glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)

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Reinforce your understanding of the physiological regulation of plasma glucose

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Find a practice problem
Calculate the HbA1c level
Check your answer

Discuss the latest research on diabetes

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Engage with your peers to broaden your understanding and perspectives

Browse courses on Diabetes

Show steps

Find a peer group
Choose a research topic
Prepare a presentation
Give your presentation
Discuss the research

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Diabetes - a Global Challenge will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Endocrinologist

Endocrinologists specialize in managing diabetes, among other hormonal conditions. They work to help patients get their blood sugar levels under control, prevent complications, and live healthy lives. This course can help build a foundation in diabetes management, including information on the latest treatments and research. It may be particularly helpful for endocrinologists who want to learn more about the incretins, which are hormones that play a role in glucose regulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Endocrinologist

Registered Dietitian

Registered dietitians help people make healthy food choices. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice. Registered dietitians who work with people with diabetes help them create a meal plan that meets their individual needs. This course can help registered dietitians learn more about the nutritional needs of people with diabetes and the latest research on diabetes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Dietitian

Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Diabetes care and education specialists work with patients with diabetes to help them manage their condition. They provide education on diabetes, nutrition, exercise, and medication. They also help patients set goals and develop a plan to reach those goals. This course can help diabetes care and education specialists stay up-to-date on the latest research on diabetes and learn more about the incretins, which are hormones that play a role in glucose regulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Nurse

Nurses provide a variety of care to patients, including those with diabetes. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice. Nurses who work with people with diabetes help them manage their condition by providing education, support, and medication administration. This course can help nurses learn more about the latest research on diabetes and the incretins, which are hormones that play a role in glucose regulation.

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Physician Assistant

Physician assistants work under the supervision of a physician to provide a variety of care to patients, including those with diabetes. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice. Physician assistants who work with people with diabetes help them manage their condition by providing education, support, and medication administration. This course can help physician assistants learn more about the latest research on diabetes and the incretins, which are hormones that play a role in glucose regulation.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information on how to use them safely and effectively. They can also help patients manage their diabetes by providing information on lifestyle changes and medication adherence. This course can help pharmacists learn more about the different types of diabetes medications and the latest research on diabetes.

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Case Manager

Case managers help people with diabetes coordinate their care and navigate the healthcare system. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies. This course can help case managers learn more about the latest research on diabetes and the incretins, which are hormones that play a role in glucose regulation. This knowledge can help them provide better care to their clients.

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Exercise Physiologist

Exercise physiologists help people with diabetes develop and implement exercise programs. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and fitness centers. This course can help exercise physiologists learn more about the latest research on diabetes and the incretins, which are hormones that play a role in glucose regulation. This knowledge can help them create effective exercise programs for their clients.

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Health Educator

Health educators provide education and support to people with diabetes to help them manage their condition. They may work in a variety of settings, including community health centers, schools, and workplaces. This course can help health educators learn more about the latest research on diabetes and the incretins, which are hormones that play a role in glucose regulation. This knowledge can help them create effective educational programs for people with diabetes.

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Research Scientist

Research scientists conduct research to improve our understanding of diabetes and develop new treatments. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. This course can help research scientists learn more about the latest research on diabetes and the incretins, which are hormones that play a role in glucose regulation.

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Social Worker

Social workers provide counseling and support to people with diabetes and their families. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. This course can help social workers learn more about the latest research on diabetes and the incretins, which are hormones that play a role in glucose regulation. This knowledge can help them provide better support to their clients.

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Medical Writer

Medical writers create written materials about medical topics for a variety of audiences, including patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. This course can help medical writers learn more about the latest research on diabetes and the incretins, which are hormones that play a role in glucose regulation. This knowledge can help them create accurate and informative materials about diabetes.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators oversee the operations of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They may also develop and implement policies and procedures. This course may be useful for healthcare administrators who want to learn more about the latest research on diabetes and the incretins, which are hormones that play a role in glucose regulation. This knowledge can help them make better decisions about the care of their patients.

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Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Pharmaceutical sales representatives sell diabetes medications and other products to healthcare professionals. They may also provide education and support to healthcare professionals and patients. This course can help pharmaceutical sales representatives learn more about the latest research on diabetes and the incretins, which are hormones that play a role in glucose regulation. This knowledge can help them sell their products more effectively.

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Public Health Nutritionist

Public health nutritionists promote healthy eating and prevent chronic diseases, including diabetes. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, community health centers, and schools. This course may be useful for public health nutritionists who want to learn more about the latest research on diabetes and the incretins, which are hormones that play a role in glucose regulation. This knowledge can help them develop more effective programs to promote healthy eating and prevent diabetes.

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