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The Diabetes Epidemic: a Patient-Centred Approach

Understand why type 2 diabetes is becoming so prevalent, and what we can do to prevent and treat it, with this free online course

15,278 enrolled on this course

medical devices and medication
  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

The number of people with diabetes type-2 is rising rapidly and the global health economic impact is massive. Rising rates of type 2 diabetes may relate to increasing obesity, an aging population, changes to diet and adoption of more sedentary behaviours. There is a need to increase awareness about diabetes prevention, potential complications and treatment amongst the general public and health care providers.

This course aims to provide accessible material that emphasises the human element and self-care aspects of living with this chronic condition. It will facilitate learning through interactive media and peer discussion to enhancing knowledge around how diabetes develops, potential treatments, associated disease complications, global challenges, quality care and self-management practices.

This course is brought to you by a unique partnership between:

  • The University of Dundee, a world leader in medical education, diabetes research, quality diabetes patient care and health informatics.
  • NHS Scotland MyDiabetesMyWay, the award winning NHS Scotland online self-management portal for patients and carers

With contributions from:

  • Diabetes Scotland, the national diabetes charity, working as an advocate for patients and health care providers.

What topics will you cover?

Reflecting on the growing global epidemic of diabetes, potential causes and priorities for health improvement to:

  • Gain an understanding of the personal impact of a diagnosis of diabetes
  • Gain understanding about the different types of diabetes and the basic pathophysiology of what causes them, with a focus on type 2 diabetes
  • Evaluate the broad options for treatment in different types of diabetes
  • Recognise the common complications associated with diabetes and the rationale behind screening for early detection of complications
  • Explore the concept of modern long term condition management, patient self care and personalised treatment in contrast to traditional medical management approaches.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Reflect on the growing global epidemic of diabetes, potential causes and priorities for health improvement
  • Explore the personal impact of a diagnosis of diabetes
  • Classify the different types of diabetes and the basic pathophysiology of what causes them, with a focus on type 2 diabetes.
  • Evaluate the broad options for treatment in different types of diabetes
  • Identify the common complications associated with diabetes and the rationale behind screening for early detection of complications
  • Explore the concept of modern long term condition management, patient self care and personalised treatment in contrast to traditional medical management approaches

Who is the course for?

Undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare workers and the general public.

What do people say about this course?

"I can't tell you how fulfilled I feel having come on this course. It has been an eye-opener and a career progress for me. Thanks to all staff team and fellow learners."

Who will you learn with?

Dr Wake is a Diabetologist/ Endocrinologist and Senior Lecturer at University of Dundee with interests in technology use in health care and patient and health care professional education.

Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Physician at the University Of Dundee. Involved in Medical Education and teaching on the MSc in Quality Diabetes Care.

Work for for the University of Dundee, Medical School as the Learning Design Manager.

Who developed the course?

University of Dundee

The University of Dundee is one of the world’s Top 200 universities and was named Scottish University of the Year for both 2016 and 2017. Dundee offers one of the UK’s best student experiences.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

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You can use the hashtag #FLdiabetes to talk about this course on social media.