Empowering DCESs to Identify and Manage Monogenic Diabetes
Nov 25, 2024, 13:19 PM
Researchers Toni Pollin, MS, PhD, LCGC, Kristin Maloney, MS, MGC, LCGC and Chelsea Kilanowski, BSN, RN, CDCES had the privilege of receiving funding through a grant from ADCES to work with seven participants over six months on a continuing education program on monogenic diabetes.
Our aim was to empower participants with knowledge to recognize the clinical characteristics of the most well-known forms of monogenic diabetes (MODY), to locate genetics providers for their patients, and to learn about management of people with monogenic diabetes.
Our hope was that increasing the knowledge base of CDCESs in clinical settings across the country will enhance their ability to find monogenic diabetes cases among the various populations that they serve and improve access to appropriate care for patients with monogenic diabetes who do not live near specialty centers.
Our educational program consisted of didactic content, expert clinician office hours, interactive case conferences, and a patient panel. Surveys were completed prior to the start of the program as well as at the end of each component and after the final session to review the overall program.
What did we learn?
Based on surveys completed before and after the program, we found that participants increased both knowledge and confidence in recognizing and addressing monogenic diabetes in their patients. Participants also reported placing greater value on genetic testing to guide treatment of patients with atypical diabetes.
After the completion of the educational program, we also conducted a focus group to learn more about the value of the program and how to enhance the education going forward. Participants provided excellent suggestions for modifications and rearrangements of the content to enhance learning and retention of information. Participants found the opportunity to speak with individuals with monogenic diabetes to be quite impactful: “hearing the actual stories and lived experiences, and why we need to care about MODY and why we need to make sure that we understand it and are able to do right by our patient.” They expressed interest in having a hands-on activity to locate genetics providers in their geographical area.
Want to learn more?
Endocrinologists specializing in monogenic diabetes at the Kovler Diabetes Center at The University of Chicago discuss monogenic diabetes cases to educate and support providers across the country on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 2pm CT. Register and/or submit a case.
This project was funded by a grant from the ADCES Foundation to expand access to diabetes care and education in underserved populations. Donate today, so that it may continue to support projects, communities and individuals like those featured in this blog.