A Primer on Diabetes Mellitus: Foundations for the Incoming First-Year Resident

Given the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, trainees should have a strong foundation in the management of diabetes. Published literature on the knowledge base and comfort level of medical trainees in diabetes care describes varying levels of exposure to diabetes management in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

This eight-module curriculum provides a foundation in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of diabetes mellitus in the adult patient, as well as pharmacological treatment, patient education, and complications. Specifically, the modules consist of an introduction to diabetes, diagnosis and glycemic goals, patient education, basic nutrition, noninsulin therapies, insulin therapies, complications of diabetes, and financial considerations and cost. Each is a stand-alone presentation that may be viewed nonsequentially. We estimate each module taking 15 to 30 minutes to read. Students received a postsurvey.

We received responses from 23 (18%) of the total eligible residents over the course of 3 years. Approximately 50% of respondents completed an endocrinology elective as either a medical student or first-year resident. Overall, the majority of respondents felt that the modules had the correct amount of content, the online format was adequate, their understanding of diabetes was enhanced, and the curriculum led to altering their care.

This resource is unique to MedEdPORTAL as it includes basic information on diabetes education and medical-nutritional therapy. We have required completion of these modules by our internal medicine residents since the class that enrolled in 2013. The curriculum is directed towards incoming first-year internal medicine residents but may also be used by trainees in other primary care fields.