The module focuses on the care management of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and integrates an understanding of the pathophysiological processes that drive these conditions with the therapeutic interventions that aim to minimise the physical, mental and social sequalae of diabetes.

The module is delivered via distance learning through King’s online learning system KEATS, with embedded e-Learning materials, comprising:

• Interactive presentations
• webinars
• e-learning packages
• Four optional online live seminars
• directed access to electronic learning resources (e.g., journal articles, internet resources)

The distance learning delivery allows students to pursue their studies flexibly while still being able to benefit from the full university experience with facilitated interactions with other students and members of the teaching team. The students will be guided in their learning by a team of clinical academic researchers specialising in diabetes.

Course content

• Metabolic processes in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
• The pathophysiology of diabetes complications (acute and long term)
• The epidemiology of diabetes
• Diabetes prevention strategies
• Assessment and screening in diabetes care
• Therapeutic objectives and interventions in diabetes (non-pharmacological and pharmacological)
• Diabetes self-management, education and patient-centred care models
• Psychological problems in diabetes (assessment and management)

Learning outcomes

Successful completion of this module will enable participants:

• To be confident in distinguishing and differentiating between the common types of diabetes and their clinical management
• To employ critical understanding of the relevant evidence base and policy framework for diabetes care and management
• To demonstrate an advanced ability to analyse (theoretically and empirically) diabetes related problems to advance the care provided to people with diabetes
• To evaluate complex issues systematically, synthesise empirical and clinical data and appropriately and translate this to good clinical judgement
• To demonstrate an advanced ability to communicate complex material clearly, adapting to a range of audiences and using a range of techniques
• To develop an ability to advance diabetes care, service delivery and innovate change
• To critique at an in-depth level of understanding the following underpinning areas of diabetes management and the theoretical and scientific knowledge that supports them:
• Clinical assessment of diabetes health parameters and complications
• Diabetes interventions and therapies
• Diabetes self-management and education
• Psychological problems in diabetes

This module is for clinicians, researchers and allied health care professionals in primary and secondary care with an interest in or responsibility for the management of diabetes.

Assessment

Formative assessment and feedback:

Students will complete one formative assessment comprising of 750-1000 word written accounts which should be uploaded to the formative assessment forum on Keats. Students will be given instructions and supplemental learning resources to help undertake these activities. Students will be allocated a personal facilitator who will provide timely constructive written feedback to enhance students learning. Peer review of the assessments is strongly encouraged.

Summative assessment submission: A 3000 word written assignment on a diabetes complication.

Teaching schedule

Please note that these are live online sessions. Attendance is encouraged, however the sessions will be recorded and made available on the module page for students who are not able to attend. In addition, there will be an optional 'module lead drop-in' (approx. 30 mins) directly after each session, where you will have time to discuss the live sessions or any other aspects of the module with the module lead and other students.