Diabetes - a Global Challenge

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/diabetes

Introduction

**Course Review: Diabetes - a Global Challenge** In the realm of online education, Coursera continues to set a benchmark with its diverse range of courses, and "Diabetes - a Global Challenge," part of the EIT Health Campus programme, is no exception. As diabetes and obesity emerge as pressing health concerns globally, the need for an informed perspective and actionable knowledge cannot be overstated. This course offers both, making it essential viewing for health professionals, researchers, or anyone interested in understanding these complex conditions. **Course Overview** This comprehensive course delves into the multifaceted world of diabetes and obesity, exploring not just the biological and genetic underpinnings but also the clinical aspects, epidemiology, and prevention strategies. Lectures are delivered by distinguished scientists from one of the world’s leading universities in diabetes research, ensuring participants learn from top-tier experts. **Syllabus Breakdown** 1. **Introduction and Epidemiology of Diabetes**: The course begins with a strong foundation in the epidemiology of diabetes and obesity. Learners are encouraged to engage in discussions regarding the greatest diabetes challenges, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and personal reflection. 2. **Obesity and Prevention of Diabetes**: Insights into the relationship between physical activity and obesity are explored, highlighting how lifestyle choices can influence insulin resistance and diabetes prevention. 3. **Physiological Regulation of Plasma Glucose**: As the course progresses, module 3 dives deep into the intricate mechanisms regulating glucose levels, providing a thorough understanding critical for all future discussions. 4. **The Incretins**: Professor Jens Juul Holst leads a fascinating examination of incretin biology, which has direct implications for diabetes treatment and weight management, showcasing the course’s focus on practical and applicable knowledge. 5. **Clinical Manifestation of Diabetes and Treatment**: This module connects theoretical knowledge to clinical practice, explaining the various manifestations of diabetes and the contemporary approaches to treatment. 6. **Inflammatory Beta-Cell Destruction in Diabetes**: Delving into more advanced topics, the course discusses the autoimmune aspects of diabetes, offering insights into cytokines and potential therapeutic targets. 7. **Genetic Aspects of Diabetes**: Genetics play a crucial role in diabetes, and this section examines how genetic predispositions can affect treatment strategies and outcomes. 8. **Translational Aspects**: This module emphasizes the importance of translational medicine, illustrating how research insights can be directly applied in clinical settings. 9. **Development of Antidiabetic Agents**: Participants will explore the cutting-edge discoveries and methods in the development of antidiabetic drugs—a crucial topic for aspiring medical researchers. 10. **Stem Cell Based Therapy of Diabetes**: An evolving field, stem cell therapy presents both exciting opportunities and challenges, all of which are discussed in depth in this module. 11. **Exercise – How Does It Work?**: The beneficial effects of exercise on diabetes are thoroughly explored, showcasing the interconnectedness of lifestyle and health outcomes. 12. **Peer Graded Assignment**: The course culminates in a practical assignment requiring students to integrate their new knowledge into actionable solutions—a valuable exercise for cementing learning. **Recommendations** "Diabetes - a Global Challenge" emerges as a must-take course for anyone invested in understanding diabetes and its broader implications on global health. The structure is logical and progressive, facilitating a step-by-step grasp of complex topics. The contributions from renowned professors provide a richness to the learning experience that is hard to find elsewhere. This course is suitable for a variety of learners—from healthcare professionals seeking to stay abreast of the latest research to policymakers and educators aiming to develop effective strategies in combating these global health issues. As diabetes touches lives worldwide, understanding its multifactorial nature is crucial, making this course not only relevant but necessary. In conclusion, if you are looking for a robust education on diabetes and obesity, this course offers comprehensive insights backed by scientific authority. Enroll today to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle one of the most significant health challenges of our time. Enjoy your learning journey!

Syllabus

Introduction and epidemiology of diabetes

We are delighted to be able to welcome you to Diabetes – a Global Challenge. In module 1, we will focus on the epidemiology of diabetes and obesity which we lead us to this week discussion topic: "What the greatest diabetes challenges of our time might be in your opinion?" You can either post your opinion as text or as a link to a short video statement.

We will start module 2 together by discussing physical activity, its influence on obesity, insulin resistance and the prevention of diabetes.

During module 3 we will focus on physiological
 regulation of plasma glucose. Professor Jens Juul Holst will guide you through the complex regulation of glucose in humans. This will be difficult but hang on you will see the usefulness of what you learn in this module during the subsequent modules where we will discuss the incretins and treatment of hyperglycaemia.

Incretin biology is now applied in treating subjects with diabetes and recently approved by the FDA for weight reduction. But what do they do? Don't hesitate to start watching the videos because in this module you will learn all about the incretin lead by Professor Jens Juul Holst.

We hope that you enjoyed the previous modules about glucose regulation and incretin biology though they may seem more advanced compared to the first modules. We hope you stay with us and learn more about Clinical Manifestation of Diabetes and Treatment by Professor Allan Vaag and Treatment of Hyperglycemia by Professor Sten Madsbad.

Inflammatory beta-cell destruction in diabetes by professor Thomas Mandrup-Poulsen. During this module we Professor Mandrup-Poulsen will guide you through cytokines mediated destruction of the pancreatic beta-cells furthermore their potentiality as drugs targets.

Genetics are important for understanding and treating diabetes. In this module Professor Torben Hansen will discuss the genetic aspects of diabetes

Translational medicine? Learn more by watching our new module by Assistant Professor Torekov. In this module we will discuss two cases of translational aspects to highlight its importance. In other words we will go from bench to bedside.

Have you ever thought "how to develop a antidiabetic agent?" Professor Birgitte Holst will take you through some potential drug targets and how to use G-protein coupled receptor for treatment of diabetes.

Module 10 will focus on 'Stem Cell Based Therapy of Diabetes' and the question 'What are the advantages and disadvantages in cell therapy of diabetes?' is raised by Professor Ole Dragsbæk-Madsen.

Exercise has many beneficial effects - but how does it actually work? Professor Bente Klarlund will take you through the latest scientific research on how the exercise of skeletal muscles affect our organs and entire body.

Try to summarize all what you have learned watching these modules and have fun with writing a peer-graded assignment. The goal is simply to integrate what you have learned and put this together in a practical solution based manner.