Lesson 1Sodium and blood pressure: evidence for sodium reduction, practical targets and sources of hidden sodiumThis lesson sums up proof connecting salt intake to blood pressure and heart issues, sets achievable salt goals, spots hidden salt sources, and gives practical cut-back methods for various Zambian eating styles.
Evidence for sodium and hypertensionDaily sodium targets and thresholdsMajor dietary sources of sodiumHidden sodium in processed foodsPractical sodium reduction strategiesLesson 2Relevant guidelines and reviews to consult: key organizations and guideline names to search (e.g., ADA Standards of Care, EASD, AHA, WHO nutrition guidance)This lesson lists top guidelines and reviews for diabetes, obesity, and hypertension nutrition, showing how to find, evaluate, and use documents from ADA, EASD, AHA, WHO, and others in Zambian health practice.
Core ADA nutrition recommendationsEASD and joint diabetes statementsAHA dietary guidance for CVDWHO sodium and sugar guidelinesFinding high-quality systematic reviewsLesson 3Nutrition for medication safety: preventing hypoglycemia during caloric reduction and when to adjust glucose-lowering drugsThis lesson targets preventing low blood sugar during calorie or carb cuts, explaining when to tweak insulin and other blood sugar drugs, work with prescribers, and teach patients monitoring and sick-day tips in Zambia.
Drugs with highest hypoglycemia riskAdjusting insulin with carb reductionCoordinating with prescribers safelyPatient education on glucose monitoringSick-day and exercise nutrition plansLesson 4Dietary patterns with strongest evidence: Mediterranean-style, DASH, and low-carbohydrate approaches — comparative benefits and limitationsThis lesson compares Mediterranean, DASH, and low-carb eating patterns, reviewing evidence for blood sugar control, weight, and blood pressure, and discussing sticking to them, cultural match, and warnings for Zambian patient groups.
Mediterranean diet: core featuresDASH diet and blood pressure controlLow-carbohydrate diet variationsComparing outcomes across patternsMatching patterns to patient profilesLesson 5Weight-loss strategies with demonstrated benefit: structured hypocaloric plans, meal replacements, intermittent energy restriction evidence and safety considerationsThis lesson reviews weight-loss methods with strong proof, like planned low-calorie diets, meal substitutes, and intermittent fasting, focusing on safety, checks, and long-term keeping in Zambian contexts.
Structured hypocaloric meal plansUse of commercial meal replacementsIntermittent fasting and TRE dataMonitoring for adverse effectsSupporting long-term weight maintenanceLesson 6Core macronutrient concepts: role of carbohydrate quality vs quantity, fiber effects on glycemia, protein distribution and satietyThis lesson explains main nutrient roles in diabetes and obesity, stressing carb quality over amount, fibre's impact on blood sugar and fullness, and protein spacing for muscle, satisfaction, and heart health in Zambia.
Glycemic index and glycemic loadWhole grains versus refined grainsDietary fiber and postprandial glucoseProtein timing and distributionBalancing carbs, protein, and fatLesson 7Dietary fats and cardiovascular risk: saturated vs unsaturated fats, omega-3s, and dietary cholesterol considerations in statin-treated patientsThis lesson reviews how various dietary fats affect blood fats, swelling, and heart results, emphasising saturated vs unsaturated fats, omega-3 sources, and cholesterol advice for statin users in Zambian care.
Saturated fat and LDL cholesterolMonounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatsMarine and plant omega-3 fatty acidsDietary cholesterol in statin usersCooking oil choices and food swapsLesson 8Portion control and energy balance: practical portion tools, plate method, mindful eating conceptsThis lesson covers energy balance, portion mistakes, and tools like plate method and food models, mixing mindful eating ideas suited to managing diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure in Zambia.
Estimating individual energy needsVisual portion guides and food modelsUsing the plate method in diabetes careMindful eating to reduce overeatingCounseling on eating out and takeoutLesson 9Added sugars, sugar-sweetened beverages, and ultra-processed foods: evidence on cardiometabolic risk and strategies for reductionThis lesson checks how added sugars, sweet drinks, and highly processed foods influence weight, insulin resistance, blood fats, and pressure, and suggests practical, culture-friendly ways to lower them in daily Zambian life.
Defining added sugars and labeling rulesEvidence linking SSBs to diabetes riskUltra-processed foods and weight gainReplacing SSBs with healthier optionsBehavioral strategies to cut added sugarLesson 10Interpreting evidence in primary care: translating RCT and guideline recommendations into brief, patient-centered adviceThis lesson trains clinicians to read nutrition studies and guidelines, judge quality, and turn complex trial and agreement advice into short, customised, patient-focused messages for primary care in Zambia.
Hierarchy of nutrition evidenceReading RCTs and meta-analysesFrom guidelines to key messagesShared decision-making in counselingTime-efficient counseling frameworks
