News
Online resource for diabetes self management
28 August 2008
A complete online diabetes self-management education program, has
been launched by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Diabetes Teaching Center. The website mirrors the highly successful
American Diabetes Association (ADA) accredited teaching program
curriculum created by UCSF clinicians and presented to thousands of
patients at UCSF over the past 30 years.
Because the rate of diabetes is increasing so rapidly, the need for
diabetes education and medical care far exceeds the number of dedicated
diabetes care providers.
According to the latest statistics released by the ADA, in the US
there are over 23 million individuals with diabetes and 57 million with
pre-diabetes, yet it has been estimated that only 4,000 trained diabetes
physicians provide specialised care. This high rate of diabetes is
mirrored worldwide, with about 250 million people affected globally and
4 million deaths annually caused by the disease. It has been called the
biggest disease epidemic in human history.
Very few individuals with diabetes
can expect to see a diabetes specialist — but everyone with internet
access can now be educated about diabetes.
Not only does the website offer a complete, separate curriculum for
type 1 and type 2 patients, it provides a sub-curriculum for type 2
patients based on treatment (oral medication management vs. insulin
management) and information for healthcare providers.
For the newly diagnosed, this website can help individuals understand
diabetes, and facilitate the necessary lifestyle changes to manage their
care. For those already living with diabetes, this program provides
training in the latest advances in self-care and problem-solving skills.
Diabetes Education Online (DEO) is unique from other diabetes
education websites in that it focuses on the equation:
understanding = improved management
Through the years, UCSF clinicians have recognised that it is just as
important to explain why to do something, as well as what to do.
Each section provides detailed explanations and includes scientific
background information, self-management instruction, and optional
self-quizzes to assess knowledge learned. In addition, a comprehensive
library provides printable handouts of key tables, charts, and
illustrations, plus video access to educational presentations.
This website is designed to provide information that is specific to
the individual’s needs. Even though the website provides concepts and
ideas for managing health, it is important that the individual works
with his or her healthcare provider to create a personal plan of care.
Currently the website is available in English. Foreign language
versions are planned in the future.
This new resource can be viewed at:
www.deo.ucsf.edu
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