Diabetes – a Global Challenge (Coursera)

Diabetes and obesity are growing health problems in rich and poor countries alike. With this course you will get updated on cutting-edge diabetes and obesity research including biological, genetic and clinical aspects as well as prevention and epidemiology of diabetes and obesity. All lectures are provided by high-profile scientists from one the world’s leading universities in diabetes research.

Syllabus

WEEK 1

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.

Graded: Epidemiology of Diabetes

WEEK 2

Obesity and Prevention of Diabetes

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

Graded: Obesity and Prevention of Diabetes

WEEK 3

Physiological Regulation of Plasma Glucose

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 hyperglycemia

Graded: Physiological Regulation of Plasma Glucose

WEEK 4

The incretins

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

Graded: The Incretins

WEEK 5

Clinical manifestation of Diabetes and Treatment

We hope that you enjoyed last modules about glucose regulation and incretin biology thus it may seems more advanced compared to 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.

Graded: Clinical manifestation of Diabetes and treatment

WEEK 6

Inflammatory Beta-cell Destruction in Diabetes

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.

Graded: Inflammatory Beta-cell Destruction in Diabetes

WEEK 7

Genetic Aspects of Diabetes

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

Graded: Genetic Aspects of Diabetes

WEEK 8

Translational Aspects

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

Graded: Translational Aspects

WEEK 9

Development of antidiabetic agents

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

Graded: Development of antidiabetic agents

WEEK 10

Stem Cell Based Therapy 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.

Graded: Stem Cell Based Therapy of Diabetes

WEEK 11

Exercise – How Does it Work?

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.

Graded: Exercise – how does it work?

WEEK 12

Peer Graded Assignment

Try to summarize all what you have learn 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.

Graded: Peer graded assignment