Diabetes in Older Adults

Course Description:

Did you know that Diabetes Mellitus has increased 6-fold since 1980?  There are now more than 34.2 million adults with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in the United States.  Diabetes affects more than one fourth of all older adults (aged 65 and above).  How much do you know about DM?  Do you understand how DM can affect your therapy treatment plan?  Join Sarah (Sally) Stillings, MA, PT, MPT, CHT, as she walks us through a detailed look at Diabetes Mellitus and how therapy providers can help on the frontline of this disease.

Methods of Instruction:

Online audio/video course

Course Instructor:

Sarah R. Stillings, MA, PT, MPT, CHT

Target Audience:

Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants and Athletic Trainers.

Educational Level:

Intermediate

Prerequisites:

None

Course Goals and Objectives:

At the completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Identify the characteristics of Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and Type 2
2. Recognize the signs of Hypoglycemia during/before a therapy session
3. Recognize the epidemiology, risk factors and qualifications for diagnosis
4. Differentiate between Diabetes Mellitus complications and how they can affect therapy
5. Recognize the benefits of exercise for patient with DM
6. Identify how to properly prescribe exercise treatment plans for patients with DM
7. Recognize ways to help patients avoid DM complications
8. Differentiate between recent studies of DM/exercise and how it affects therapy treatment
9. Identify contraindications to starting or continuing exercise for patients with DM
10. Recognize the tools we have, as therapy providers, to make a difference in the lives of our patients with DM

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

A score of 70% or greater on the post-test