The advanced course primarily focuses on the macrovascular complications of diabetes, viz. coronary artery diseases, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. The association between diabetes and cardiovascular risk has been covered in detail. Cardiac testing that aims at cardio–metabolic risk reduction and management at the primary care physician level has been emphasized.
The fundamentals of glycaemic management are covered, including use of insulin as well as the newer medications on the horizon. It also addresses the two important comorbidities, viz. dyslipidaemia and hypertension. A highlight of the course is the attention given to important aspects like diet, exercise and tobacco cessation relevant to the management of both diabetes as well as coronary artery disease. Niche areas like bariatric surgery and management of obstructive sleep apnoea have been included.
The course addresses several challenging areas to the clinicians, for instance, how to manage diabetes in hospitalized people with heart disease, evaluation and management of people with heart failure and diabetes, management of other cardiovascular comorbidities, etc.
The course would refer to the latest guidelines for management of the conditions discussed above.
Objectives of ACMDC
The primary objective of the course is to enhance knowledge, skills and core competencies of primary care physicians to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease manifestations of diabetes. Other objectives include:
- • To build a network of PCPs across the country, to enable early diagnosis and prompt referrals of patients and establish a robust referral linkage.
- • To develop a standard teaching protocol and module for evidence-based learning.
- • Update primary care physicians with the latest advancements.