Course Description

Alabama Department of Public Health's
Addressing Diabetes & Cardiovascular Health in the Clinical & Community Setting

Program Description:  According to the American Diabetes Association, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes, accounting for at least two out of three diabetes-related deaths. What’s more, most diabetes patients do not even realize they’re at a higher risk for complications like heart disease and stroke. Diabetes can never be cured, but it can be managed if patients are properly educated about the disease. It’s critical they know that risk reduction is possible if they understand that diabetes is more than managing blood glucose. It is managing blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol and other CVD risk factors.

This program will explore, in great depth, diabetes complications, particularly those related with first and secondhand smoke inhalation and the benefits of community training programs and coalitions. Studies have shown when those with diabetes take steps to also ensure good cardiovascular health, they can lead long, healthy lives. So help a diabetic make that first step today.

Objectives:

• Understand how the Alabama electronic system improves care coordination.
• Recognize complications smoke has on diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
• Gain knowledge of smoking cessation plans and the Alabama QuitLine.
• List contributing factors to successful diabetes coalitions in rural Alabama counties and identify where a coalition is needed.
• Know how to recruit and develop new partnerships to create a successful community coalition.
• Identify three themes for community training programs.
• Become familiar with how to create an action plan and communicate with physicians or primary care providers.

None.