There is an increasing amount of scientific research data that points to lifestyle modification as the key element in effective treatment of diabetes and obesity. This three day seminar is designed to communicate state of the art information about insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM), gestational diabetes, and obesity to practicing physicians, registered dieticians, registered nurses and other health care professionals. Participants will be able to apply this information immediately and experience what they are taught, through cooking labs, delicious therapeutic whole plant food meals, exercise and therapy walks.
As a result of attending this program, the participant is expected to be able to:
1. Better understand the normal physiology of glucose metabolism, including concepts of pancreatic insulin and glucagon production, and cellular receptor mechanism of insulin/glucose uptake.
2. Be familiar with the pathophysiology of IDDM and NIDDM.
3. Identify the major complications of diabetes such as diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy leading to blindness, glaucoma, renal failure, coronary heart disease, and GI motility disorders.
4. Discuss and apply strategies supported by current scientific information to prevent or minimize complications caused by diabetes and obesity.
5. Be familiar with pharmaceutical treatments for diabetes - oral agents and insulin, and how these modalities can be effected by dietary changes and adaptation of the NEWSTART® lifestyle.
6. Recognize the value of proper dietary treatment for the diabetic and obese patient in controlling and reversing the disease and to explore the current research showing evidence that dietary changes have made a significant positive difference in those who have adopted the NEWSTART® dietary program and lifestyle.
7. Explore and review how exercise affects the regulation of blood sugar in diabetes and its effect on the metabolic rate in the person with diabetes and obesity. Attendees will participate in exercise and therapy walks tailored to individual exercise tolerance.
8. Prepare therapeutic whole plant food meals. Updated scientifically proven information and methods will be presented and whole plant food meals which assist in the prevention and control of diabetes and obesity will be demonstrated and served.
9. Understand new approaches in treatment of obesity and osteoporosis. Recognize the effectiveness of therapeutic whole plant food diet and exercise in management of obesity and osteoporosis.
10. Recognize the relationship between psychological stress and diabetes and obesity and increase the efficacy of treating patients with diabetes and obesity.