Scribner Seminar Program
Course Description

Diabetes: Diabetes and Obesity in America

Why has the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes dramatically increased in the last decade? This course is designed to provide students with an in depth understanding of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Students will examine obesity and diabetes by considering physiological, psychological, epidemiological, and evolutionary factors that control body weight and therefore control obesity and diabetes. Particular attention will be given to the causes (genetic or environmental) of type 2 diabetes in an attempt to identify potential reasons for the large increase in the prevalence of this devastating disease. Students will discuss, evaluate and debate potential treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes (diet, exercise, drugs, surgery). Students will also spend time analyzing the efficacy and feasibility of different “fad” diets used to promote weight loss (Atkins, South Beach, Zone Diet, etc.). A portion of the class will be dedicated to laboratory methods used to assess body composition (% body fat) and glucose metabolism.