Complete one or both of the interactive, self-paced eLearning modules on your computer or mobile device. Earn free contact hours!

PART 1 - About 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, with 90-95% of those having Type 2 Diabetes. (CDC) The majority of these people receive health care in the primary care setting (Pilla et. al). Physiologically, diabetes affects multiple organ systems, as well as the emotional well-being of the affected person. Medicine regimens can be complex, especially for an older person with other chronic conditions. To enable the practice staff to support the person with Type 2 Diabetes, this course uses case studies of familiar patients seen in primary care. Practical office-based clinical assessment and patient education concepts are presented. Basic pharmacology of diabetes drugs, laboratory tests used to assess and monitor the disease and common physical exam findings are covered. Register online at www.nwahec.org/75805

PART 2 - Managing diabetes requires much more than taking medicines and visiting the primary care provider’s office---lifestyle changes at the heart of a person’s very self are needed. People with diabetes are 2-3 times more likely to have depression than those without diabetes (CDC). Typically considered a lifelong chronic condition, Type 2 diabetes requires the affected person to incorporate it into their self-image and work every day on difficult behavior changes. Mood disturbances may also be the result of physiologic changes caused by the illness, or from medication side effects. Building on the foundation of Part 1 of this series, this module focuses on the impact a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes can have on the mental health of patients they see in primary care. Register online at www.nwahec.org/75808

Part 2 builds on the case study presented in Part 1, so you are encouraged (but not required) to take both modules.

There is no charge for either online course. Course registration is generously supported by the Division of Health Benefits.

It's National Kidney Month!

Chronic kidney disease affects nearly 37 MILLION people in the country (more than 1 in 7 adults). 

Chronic kidney disease often causes no symptoms until it is more advanced.

Chronic kidney disease is progressive.

Chronic kidney disease puts people at risk for other serious health problems like heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

One in three adults with diabetes (and one in five with hypertension) may have chronic kidney disease (CKD).

90% of people with it DO NOT KNOW THEY HAVE kidney disease!

Back to our title, "it takes two to make a thing go right": Two tests should be done to look for CKD. Fewer than half of patients at high risk for CKD are screened appropriately.

How to screen?

• Spot urine ACR (albumin-to-creatinine ratio)

AND

• eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

Get started now to help make this thing go right!

In this educational endeavor, the goal is to enlighten learners about the prevalence of diabetes and chronic kidney disease within primary care settings. Delving into the factors that hinder or support patient involvement in their treatment, this initiative will also delve into strategies for enhancing performance and implementing activities that foster wellness in individuals with diabetes.

Novo Nordisk has announced the permanent discontinuation of all formulations of Levemir.  Supply disruptions of Levemir FlexPen are expected to begin in mid-January 2024, followed by the complete discontinuation of the FlexPen on April 1, 2024. The Levemir vial will be discontinued on December 31, 2024.

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 60,000 people in North Carolina are diagnosed with Diabetes every year.

No Cost to Attend - Live Webinars in August. This series of three interactive webinars for the practice team addresses different aspects of primary care management of patients with diabetes.

Register now for the diabetes self-management presentation on May 11 and adolescent immunization on May 16.

You are invited to participate in Medicaid Quality Improvement Work with NC AHEC — your gateway to Population Health Improvement and Shared Savings!

You’re Invited to Participate in Medicaid Quality Improvement Work with NC AHEC — your gateway to Population Health Improvement and Shared Savings!