Coursera Diabetes - a Global Challenge

Syllabus
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.

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.

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 hyperglycaemia.

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

Clinical manifestation of Diabetes and Treatment
We hope that you enjoyed the previous modules about glucose regulation and incretin biology though they may seem more advanced compared to the 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Peer Graded Assignment
Try to summarize all what you have learned 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.