Diabetes is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States and its prevalence is increasing as the population ages. Research has demonstrated the critical importance of diabetes self-care practices, in conjunction with pharmacological agents, in achieving the level of glycemic control needed to prevent or delay the complications of diabetes. In order for a person with diabetes to achieve this, the contributions of health care professionals from a variety of disciplines are required.

This course examines the current issues involved in managing diabetes mellitus in persons over their lifespan. The individual contributions and perspective of members of the multidisciplinary team in assisting persons to achieve their self-care goals is an important theme throughout this course as are the current controversies, issues and research findings underlying present approaches to treatment and patient/family education.