Aim:
This training program is designed to equip primary care professionals with knowledge and practical skills to manage chronic diseases, with a focus on Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), through a lifestyle medicine approach. It emphasizes preventive strategies, behavioral change, and long-term management.
Objectives:
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Understand the role of lifestyle medicine in the prevention and management of Diabetes and CVD.
- Develop individualized lifestyle intervention plans that focus on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sleep.
- Implement behavioral counseling techniques to support patients in adopting and sustaining healthier lifestyles.
- Integrate lifestyle modifications with conventional medical treatments for better disease management.
- Assess and monitor progress through patient-centered approaches, adjusting interventions as needed.
Content:
Module 1: Introduction to Chronic Disease Management
- Epidemiology of Diabetes and CVD: Global and national trends.
- Pathophysiology Overview: Basic understanding of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2) and CVD (hypertension, coronary artery disease).
- Principles of Lifestyle Medicine: Core pillars — nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress reduction, social support.
Module 2: Lifestyle Modifications in Diabetes Management
- Nutritional Interventions:
- Role of whole-food, plant-based diets, low-carbohydrate diets, and intermittent fasting in managing diabetes.
- Importance of glycemic control through balanced macronutrients.
- Physical Activity:
- Guidelines for exercise: aerobic activities, strength training, and their impact on insulin sensitivity.
- Tailoring exercise programs based on patient capabilities and comorbidities.
- Stress Management & Sleep:
- Understanding the impact of stress on blood sugar levels and strategies like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR).
- Role of sleep in regulating metabolic health.
Module 3: Lifestyle Interventions in Cardiovascular Disease
- Dietary Approaches for CVD:
- Evidence-based approaches like the Mediterranean Diet, DASH Diet, and their role in lowering cholesterol, improving blood pressure.
- Importance of reducing sodium intake and promoting heart-healthy fats (omega-3s).
- Exercise for Cardiovascular Health:
- Aerobic exercise benefits for heart health, intensity recommendations.
- Resistance training for maintaining cardiovascular and muscular health.
- Behavioral Change and Motivational Interviewing:
- Techniques for encouraging and maintaining behavioral changes in patients.
- Utilizing SMART goals for achievable lifestyle modifications.
Module 4: Comprehensive Risk Assessment and Monitoring
- Risk Stratification:
- Identifying high-risk patients (e.g., those with comorbidities or a family history of heart disease or diabetes).
- Use of risk calculators (e.g., QRISK3, Framingham Risk Score).
- Monitoring Progress:
- Understanding key markers: HbA1c, lipid profiles, blood pressure, and adjusting lifestyle and pharmacological interventions accordingly.
- Integrating Lifestyle with Medication:
- Balancing lifestyle interventions with conventional treatments (e.g., metformin, statins).
Module 5: Patient-Centered Care and Support Systems
- Creating a Collaborative Care Plan:
- Engaging patients in shared decision-making and goal setting.
- Establishing regular follow-up routines to track progress.
- Social and Emotional Support:
- Role of family, community programs, and healthcare teams in supporting behavior change.
Format:
- Presentations: Covering theory and case studies.
- Group Discussions: Participants discuss case scenarios and share best practices.
- Role Play: Practicing behavioral counseling and motivational interviewing techniques.
- Workshops: Hands-on sessions for creating personalized lifestyle intervention plans.
- Practical Exercise: Analyzing patient data and designing holistic management strategies integrating both lifestyle medicine and pharmacotherapy.
Evaluation of Learning:
- Pre- and Post-Workshop Assessment: Evaluating knowledge through quizzes and self-assessment tools.
- Group Projects: Designing lifestyle intervention plans for mock patients.
- Case Studies: Presenting patient cases and applying lifestyle medicine principles to achieve measurable outcomes.
Target Audience:
- General practitioners
- Primary care nurses
- Allied health professionals (nutritionists, physiotherapists, etc.)
- Diabetes educators
This program promotes a shift from a purely medical approach to chronic disease management toward a holistic one, emphasizing sustainable lifestyle changes that complement conventional care for diabetes and CVD. The training integrates the latest research and guidelines in lifestyle medicine to empower healthcare professionals in primary care to make a significant difference in patient outcomes.