Diabetes, Genetics and Genomics: Across the Lifecycle

Objective:To develop and evaluate an independent study educational module regarding diabetes and genomics for diabetes educators

Methods:In 2007, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) in partnership with the Michigan Diabetes Outreach Network (MDON) developed an educational online module, entitled Diabetes, Genetics and Genomics, which can be accessed at http://www.diabetesinmichigan.org/index.htm  This is one of nine online modules available at no cost, and approved for two CEU credit hours for nurses and dietitians from 2008-2010.  The module provides up-to-date information on genomics related to diabetes and treatment, including key messages for each life cycle stage (i.e., pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, childhood/adolescence and adulthood).  An online pre- and post-test are required, and CEU certificates are given upon completion of the post-test

Results:From February 2008 to April 2009, 171 health care providers completed the Diabetes, Genetics and Genomics module.   About 60% were registered nurses and 29% were registered dietitians.  The participants’ evaluation of this module demonstrated strong satisfaction (summary score of 3.61 on scale of 4.0).  The areas most commonly missed in the post-test included identification of malformations found in infants of mothers with diabetes; recognition of the cause of diabetes; and, knowledge about the availability and informed consent process for genetic testing

Conclusion:This is the first online educational module on the topic of genomics and diabetes, and is especially innovative and cross-cutting in its lifespan approach.  The uptake, evaluation, and post-test demonstrate that genomics education can be successfully integrated into existing education opportunities for diabetes educators