Davida F. Kruger, MSN, APRN-BC, BC-ADM
Program Chair, Certified Nurse Practitioner, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan

Melinda D. Maryniuk, MEd, RD, FADA, CDE
Program Manager, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, Massachusetts

William T. Cefalu, MD
Chief, Division of Nutrition and Chronic Diseases, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

STATEMENT OF NEED
Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) currently affects about 18 million people in the United States, and the epidemic continues to grow. Although the promise of innovations in diabetes care is great, many patients still experience major complications such as cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. These complications dramatically affect patients' lives. Studies have shown that when patients are given effective education and useful tools to manage their diabetes, they can succeed in meeting their metabolic and other goals. Improved control of blood glucose leads to both improved quality of life and better long-term outcomes.

PROGRAM GOAL
This monograph examines the relationship between the nurse educator, dietitian, and physician and shows how these professionals can cooperate to help patients make choices that will enable them to achieve optimal blood glucose levels. Working in this manner, diabetes educators can help persons with diabetes to take more control over their own health, which, in turn, can improve their quality of life.

To illustrate effective strategies for helping patients make choices and improve their quality of life, case studies are presented that focus on facilitating patients' decision making. Additionally, three health care professionals—a nurse practitioner, dietitian, and physician—provide their own perspective on each case.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After completing this educational activity, participants should be able to:

Discuss the development, progression, and treatment requirements of T2DM, from pre-diabetes through diagnosis, as well as the complex treatment regimens associated with advanced T2DM

Design patient education strategies to help patients achieve optimal glycemic control and improve quality of life

Formulate realistic dietary recommendations and goals for individual patients

Evaluate oral antihyperglycemic drug and insulin administration strategies and their impact on glycemic control and quality of life

TARGET AUDIENCE
The intended audience is registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), registered dietitians (RDs), registered pharmacists (RPhs), certified diabetes educators (CDEs), and other health care professionals who manage patients with diabetes.

ACCREDITATION
This activity is cosponsored by the American Association of Diabetes Educators and CADRE.

SUPPORT
This CE activity is supported by a joint unrestricted educational grant from Aventis Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer Inc.