Prevention and Screening in Diabetes Care

Our prevention and screening in diabetes care module offers a comprehensive educational opportunity to critically investigate and evaluate current and prospective national and international methods of preventing type 2 diabetes through effective evidence based prevention opportunities. Also, investigation of current and emerging effective methods and evidence concerning complication prevention in people diagnosed with diabetes, through rigorous evidence based resources and opportunities to support people to live well with diabetes. 

What's covered in the course?

Excess weight is the greatest factor influencing the diagnosis and progression of Type 2 diabetes, with over 80% of people with the condition nationally and internationally, considered to be either overweight or obese.  Differing presentations of type 2 diabetes, including lean type 2, which occurs more commonly in people from South Asian backgrounds can also be potentially prevented. People already diagnosed with diabetes who are overweight or obese have a twofold increase in stroke risk (within the first five years of diagnosis) and have an ongoing risk of Cardiovascular Disease at twice that of those without diabetes, and this remains the leading cause of premature deaths in people with Type 2 diabetes globally.

There is significant variation in diabetes outcomes across the UK and internationally. Investing in diabetes management has been shown to reduce the risk of complications, however evidence exists that a significant number of people do not have access to either effective care processes or opportunities to help them to avoid preventable complications of their diabetes.

Course Structure

This module is delivered as a standalone, or as part of the MSc in Advancing Diabetes Care pathway. This module aligns with the post-graduate philosophy and is designed to be flexible and practice-led. You will have the opportunity to develop skills of enquiry, reflection and problem solving. An online learning approach is taken. You will be encouraged to think critically and share practice experiences within an online discussion forum with your fellow students, as well as engaging in both directed and self-directed learning activities. You will be an active partner in your own learning and development and in return you will receive regular feedback and feed forward aimed at developing your academic skills, and have the opportunity to discuss your progress with the module team.

Indicative Content

• Pathological and psychological processes
• Evidence of type 2 diabetes prevention
• Diabetes remission
• Engagement and care strategies
• Emerging evidence about prevention of type 1 diabetes
• Gene and stem cell therapies
• Evidence and contemporary approaches to improve the quality of life
• Adjustment to living with diabetes
• Screening and evidence to prevent macro and microvascular complications
• Service planning to meet communities needs
• Cultural competence