Basic Principles of Nutrition Therapy in Diabetes (CCBPNTD)

Diabetes has emerged as a major public health problem. It is important to note that diet and lifestyle modification continue to be the mainstay in the management of diabetes, despite there being a range of treatments available to treat diabetes, including various oral anti-diabetic drugs and injectable therapies like insulin.

However, there continue to be gaps in the proper knowledge on nutrition in diabetes among healthcare professionals, and more particularly in patients and their caregivers. Misconceptions on various aspects of nutrition are common. Common questions of patients like “How many calories do I need to consume in a day?”, “What is meant by portion control?” or “How to count the carbohydrates in a meal?”, are often not answered properly, which may lead to unsatisfactory management of diabetes.

In view of this, experts at the Chellaram Diabetes Institute have developed a unique online course – Certificate Course in Basic Principles of Nutrition Therapy in Diabetes (CCBPNTD), which aims to build the capacity of the healthcare professionals as well as patients of diabetes and their caregivers about the role of nutrition in the management of diabetes.

The course consists of 24 thoughtfully designed compact modules, which include a judicious mix of interactive material, lecture videos, case studies, demonstrative videos and activities, which can be completed in about six to eight hours, and in multiple sessions.

The modules can be grouped as follows:

• Group
• Content
• Description
• Basic Concepts

Calories, macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), fiber, micronutrients, role of water, glycemic index and glycemic load, diet and exercise

These modules give an overview of the most basic and important concepts in nutrition, especially as they relate to diabetes

Practical Aspects

Plate method, portion size, snacking options, reading a nutrition label, carb counting

In these modules, the emphasis is on day-to-day concepts and related activities to do

Different Diets

Diabetic diet, diet in hypertension and dyslipidemia, newer diet therapies, meal replacements and protein supplements

Various diets in diabetes and associated conditions are covered in these modules

Miscellaneous Topics and Evolving Concepts

Hypoglycemia and sick days, phytonutrients, chrono-nutrition, nutrigenomics, fruits in diabetes

Some additional topics as well as a few interesting prospects in dietary therapy are discussed in these modules

Each module concludes with a post-test to assess the learning progress of the course participant.

At the end of the course, there is an exit exam, which the participant has to clear in order to obtain the course completion certificate.

The online platform allows for the course participant to learn at his/her own pace, and via, desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile.