Prevention and Management of Diabetes Complications

Prevention and Management of Diabetes Complications

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide, affecting approximately 425 million individuals. In the United States, about 9.4% of the adult population is affected by diabetes mellitus with even higher prevalence rates among racial/ethnic minorities. One in four individuals does not know he/she has the disease. Due to a significant delay in the diagnosis of diabetes in many cases, as well as suboptimal control of the disease in most patients, diabetes-related complications are extremely common.

This CME course provides a state-of-the-art update on managing and preventing diabetes-related complications to the spectrum of providers who care for these patients. Learning activities will center on strategies to prevent and treat microvascular complications including retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy as well as macrovascular complications of cardiovascular disease including coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease. This update will also present assessment tools and communication skills needed to address psychosocial issues common in the patient with micro/macrovascular complications.  Didactic lectures focus on the importance of patient education in managing the heightened complexity of self-care regimens associated with the chronic complications of diabetes.

Innovative Practices for Diabetes-Related Complications

This CME course will cover methods on the prevention and management of specific complications related to diabetes including:

Microvascular Complications:

• Retinopathy
• Nephropathy
• Neuropathy

Macrovascular Complications of Cardiovascular Disease:

• Coronary Artery Disease
• Cerebrovascular Disease
• Peripheral Arterial Disease

Acute Diabetes-Related Complications:

• Hypoglycemia
• Hyperglycemia

Updated Diabetes Detection Methods:

• Hemoglobin A1C Targets
• Blood Pressure Targets
• Lipid Targets
• Eye Examination and Screening for Cardiovascular Disease
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Innovative Treatment Plans for Patients with Complications:

• Nutrition Recommendations
• Exercise Recommendations
• Anti-Diabetes Medication Recommendations

Presenters will also discuss the psychosocial aspects of chronic diabetes-related complications and provide specific recommendations for optimal care. This is an excellent opportunity to learn the latest “best practices” and enhance your clinical skills.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

Define strategies for identification, prevention and management of chronic diabetes-related microvascular and macrovascular complications Discuss the importance of patient education and the impact on routine screening for diabetes-related complications Design practical strategies to identify, prevent and manage chronic diabetes-related complications in their own clinical setting, considering patient, provider and health care system factors Identify possible barriers specific to each factor in their clinical setting Describe practical strategies to detect, prevent and manage common acute diabetes-related complications Consider patient, provider and health care system factors Develop effective and practical education programs for both clinicians and patients aimed at reducing the frequency of severe hyperglycemia and preventing or treating hypoglycemia

Engaging Sessions with Prominent Experts and Colleagues

This course is led by prominent experts in diabetic care and Harvard Medical School faculty who will provide specific recommendations for incorporating the latest updates into your practices. This blending learning course includes:

• Didactic Lectures
• Panel Discussions
• Case Presentations
• Q&A Sessions
• Online Resource Center

Why You Should Attend

Increase your skills and knowledge to deliver unparalleled care to your patients. You will leave the course with:

• Greater consistency in the implementation of guidelines for routine screening for diabetes-related micro/macro vascular complications
• Utilization of a system-specific means of coordinating screening for diabetes related complications and referral to the appropriate medical resources as indicated for treatment
• Heightened awareness of the need to prevent and when necessary to appropriately treat acute diabetes complications
• A network of like-minded professional colleagues