At least 171 million people worldwide have diabetes, and this figure is set to double by 2030. This chronic condition, which occurs when the body cannot produce or effectively use the insulin it needs, can be the cause of many serious health complications leading, amongst other problems, to blindness, foot ulcers and kidney failures. This album is a must-watch for diabetes sufferers and medical staff training to work with diabetes patients. Six video tracks introduce various aspects of a patient’s diabetes annual check-up, and the accompanying 'activity' files can be used while watching the videos to increase your understanding of how to control diabetes. The main audio track gives background information on the history of diabetes and information on how patients can help to manage their own condition. This material forms part of The Open University course SK120 Diabetes care.

14th November is World Diabetes Day, introduced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) to raise awareness amidst concern over an escalating diabetes epidemic. Find out more about diabetes care here...

Both diabetes and depression are highly prevalence in today’s society, the OU’s Professor Cathy Lloyd is leading new longitudinal research into the link between these two long-term conditions, aiming to identify optimal pathways for future care.

Help The Aged estimate that there are between five and six million unpaid carers in the UK looking after a relative or friend. Further, over one million of these carers are themselves over retirement age. In this category falls 5% of people 85 years or older. Many of the older carers may being looking after their spouse or partner.

Diabetes is an increasing problem among both adults and children. This free course, Diabetes complications, looks at the way the condition is managed once it has been diagnosed in order to reduce the risk of further complications. You will look at the role of each member of the team involved in the diabetes annual review and look at the risk factors involved with certain diabetes complications.