International Diabetes Federation Commits to Improving Diabetes Education Globally Through Centres of Education

BRUSSELS, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Diabetes Federation
(IDF) today announced that it will begin designating centres of education
globally to improve clinical outcomes, care and knowledge of healthcare
providers and people with diabetes.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080602/306819 )

The Federation aims to create a robust global framework for the
effective implementation of diabetes education activities at the global,
regional and local level. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes and
the lack of properly trained healthcare providers in diabetes education and
care, IDF saw the need to create IDF Centres of Education. IDF is calling
for applications from institutions and member organizations that have a
recognized reputation in health professional education.

"The International Diabetes Federation is the primary body that can
facilitate action to fight the diabetes epidemic and its consequences. To
do this we must facilitate the development of health professionals highly
skilled in diabetes management. Therefore the implementation of this
initiative by IDF signals a very exciting and significant milestone in our
growth as an organization," said Marg McGill, IDF Senior Vice-President and
Chair of the IDF Consultative Section on Diabetes Education.

Diabetes is now a global epidemic with over 250 million people living
with the disease. IDF estimates that by 2025, over 380 million people will
live with diabetes. The United Nations Resolution on diabetes recognized
diabetes as a chronic, debilitating and costly disease associated with
major complications. It urges all governments to develop national policies
for the prevention, treatment and care of diabetes.

The IDF Consultative Section on Diabetes Education has been a world
leader in developing resources and programmes for diabetes education that
would be an asset for governments and health professionals. In 2002, the
Section published the International Curriculum for Diabetes Health
Professional Education and in 2006 produced 19 modules of presentation
slides based on them. In addition, the Federation has developed education
courses based on the curriculum and has held 14 Multidisciplinary Diabetes
Professional Programmes throughout the world. In 2003, IDF published the
International Standards for Diabetes Education which serves as a basis for
the development of quality diabetes education services. It guides
healthcare providers in such areas as leadership, communication,
documentation, the need for ongoing professional education, and physical
requirements to be able to provide services, evaluation and research.

To meet the growing demand for diabetes education knowledge and
expertise and to build capacity worldwide, IDF will designate its Centres
of Education in local institutions which already have the knowledge and
experience in providing diabetes education. The institutions selected by
IDF will form part of an international collaborative voluntary network to
initiate, facilitate, conduct and coordinate high-quality education for
healthcare professionals in diabetes and other related chronic diseases.

An institution is designated as an IDF Centre of Education for an
initial term of four years. The designation may be renewed for another four
years or a shorter period. An IDF Centre of Education may be jointly
designated by the International Diabetes Federation and another competent
and specialized international body, such as the World Health Organization
(WHO). Designation of centres is independent of financial support. Centres
will face continuous monitoring and evaluation by IDF.

Institutions making an application to become an IDF Centre of Education
will be required to conduct workshop-based programmes for health
professionals training for a minimum of 40 to 50 students per year, either
at national or regional level. There must be a post-programme follow-up;
where possible, institutions must encourage the integration of the
programmes into the curricula of other institutions; and encourage and
incorporate the participation of people affected by diabetes. To find out
more, visit http://www.idf.org/home/index.cfm?node=1641.

Strengthening IDF's education work is the appointment of Helen McGuire
as its Diabetes Education Manager to coordinate all global education
activities. McGuire has a wealth of experience in diabetes education and
has spent the last nine years developing and managing a multi-site regional
diabetes education centre in Canada.

"On the global stage we share the impact and the responsibility to
respond to the diabetes epidemic. We also share the awareness that there is
a gap between what we understand to be best practice and the experience of
the person with diabetes. The education strategy of the International
Diabetes Federation is key to narrowing that gap and increasing the
capacity of countries to respond to the diabetes epidemic. I am very
honoured and excited to take a leadership role to further advance the
education strategy of the Federation," said McGuire

McGill said, "I am absolutely delighted to have someone with the
talents and capabilities of Helen assisting in driving our global diabetes
education agenda. Our task is enormous but with the dynamism and hard work
of Helen and all the education team we will improve the lives of people
with diabetes no matter where they live."

Note to Editors:

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organization
of over 200 member associations in more than 160 countries, advocating for
the more than 250 million people with diabetes, their families, and their
healthcare providers. Its mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention
and a cure worldwide. The International Diabetes Federation is an NGO in
official relations with the World Health Organization and an associated NGO
with the United Nations Department of Public Information. The International
Diabetes Federation leads the World Diabetes Day and Unite for Diabetes
campaigns. Additional information is available at http://www.idf.org

Multimedia Links

IDF Logo - http://www.idf.org/home/index.cfm?node=1335

IDF Consultative Section on Diabetes Education -
http://www.idf.org/home/index.cfm?node=1434



Contact:
Kerrita McClaughlyn,
IDF Media Relations Manager,
office: +32-2-5431639,
mobile: +32-487-530625,
email: media@idf.org





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Via: Healthcare