Introduction

The majority of patients with diabetes seen in general practice and primary care will have type 2 diabetes. These patients often have additional comorbidity and cardiovascular disease, which can be challenging to manage. However, given a certain level of knowledge and skill together with a framework within which these patients should be managed, the health care practitioner will be able to optimise the care of these patients.

When seen within the chronic disease framework it is helpful to apply the principles of context/co-morbidity, complications, control, concerns (including symptoms) and compliance to diabetes as you would for any other chronic disease.

A systems approach (the Chronic Care Model) as well as a patient centered focus is essential if we want to succeed in improving the outcomes of our patients with diabetes and their associated risk factors.

Who Should Enroll

All healthcare professionals.

Course Design

This is a blended learning course consisting of both an online component as well as a 1 day interactive and problem based practical component.

Course Content

The following modules will be covered:

1. Background:

   • Epidemiology of diabetes
   • Definition and classification of diabetes
   • Screening and diagnosis
   • Organisation of care

2. Lifestyle intervention:

   • Medical nutrition therapy
   • Physical Activity
   • Self-management and support
   • Psycho-social care

3. Control:

   • Glucose control: Targets and interventions
   • Blood pressure control: Targets and interventions
   • Lipid control: Targets and Interventions

4. Complications:

   • Early detection of diabetic nephropathy and its management
   • Early detection of diabetic neuropathy and it its management
   • Early detection of diabetic retinopathy and its management

5. Special populations and their challenges:

   • Diabetes in pregnancy
   • Diabetes in HIV patients
   • Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents

The 1 day practical session will cover the following topics which will be interactive and problem based:

• How to set up a structure in your practice to optimise care
• Screening and diagnosis
• Education (Nutritional exercise)
• Glucose control
• Blood pressure and lipid control
• Practical aspects of complication screening
• Neuropathy and cardiovascular disease

Assessment

Participants are assessed on the self-study component of the course through means of a multiple-choice questionnaire.

Accreditation

Accredited according to the HPCSA’s Medical and Dental Board Guidelines for Health Care Professionals for 30 CEU’s on Level 2.

Certification

In order to qualify for certification you will be required to:

• Work through all content, video presentations, resources and activities
• Successfully complete the online assessment component through means of multiple-choice questionnaires (Pass rate of 70%)
• Attend the 1 day interactive and problem based practical session

Contact

Natasha Naidoo

Foundation for Professional Development
Tel: 012 816 9000
E-mail: natashan@foundation.co.za
Address: P.O. Box 75324, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040
Website: www.foundation.co.za