Diabetes Education
| Author: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE |
| Last Updated: Monday, January 23, 2006 |
Q: "In your answers, you often mention discussing things with the diabetes team, or you suggest seeing a diabetes educator and dietitian. I was diagnosed with diabetes 2 months ago and was told to cut out sweets, but I have not been referred to see anyone else. Is it necessary that I see a diabetes educator?"
A: Yes! The National Standards for Diabetes Care state that a diabetes management plan must recognize diabetes self-management as an integral component of care. People with diabetes should receive medical care from a physician-coordinated team which may include, but is not limited to: physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and mental health professionals with expertise and a special interest in diabetes.
Developing Self-Management Skills
It is essential that you assume an active role in your care. To be able to do this, you need to fully understand this condition, as well as the strategies and problem-solving skills necessary to manage your diabetes.
You should have a plan of care that considers your specific needs—taking into account your age, learning style, school or work schedule, physical activity, social situation, personality, cultural factors, and the presence of complications or other medical conditions. Included in your diabetes education would be medical nutrition therapy (MNT) provided by a registered dietitian who would obtain an individualized assessment (includes analysis of your height, weight, activity level, laboratory values--especially glucose, A1C, lipids, and kidney function), a review of your eating patterns (obtained after you keep a detailed food record for 3-7 days), and your food likes/dislikes. After assessing the above items, the dietitian would be able to advise you on the specific recommended amounts of carbohydrate, protein, and fat, and to help you learn about various meal planning guides, such as: carbohydrate counting, fat gram counting, the food guide pyramid, food labels, and exchange lists.
Education components
Specific content areas have been designed to help you make informed choices, practice self-directed behavior change, and reduce your risk of complications.
Topics/Behavior Goals:
- Describe the diabetes disease process and treatment options
- Incorporate appropriate nutritional management
- Incorporate physical activity into your lifestyle
- Utilize medications (if applicable) for therapeutic effectiveness
- Monitor your blood glucose (and ketones when appropriate), and use the results to improve control
- Prevent, detect, and treat acute complications
- Prevent (through risk reduction behavior), detect, and treat chronic complications
- Set goals that are mutually agreed upon to promote health as well as use problem solving skills for daily living
- Integrate psychosocial adjustment to daily life
- If applicable, promote preconception care, management of diabetes during pregnancy, as well as gestational diabetes management.
So please ask your doctor for a referral for diabetes education. You can read more about diabetes in the related links below.
Related Questions
Standards of Care
Q:
"How can I be sure I’m getting all the right tests and exams for
diabetes?"
Related Links
American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE)
http://www.diabeteseducator.org
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
http://www.diabetes.org
American Dietetic Association’s Nationwide Nutrition Network
http://www.eatright.org
Diabetes Self-Management
http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com
Joslin Diabetes Center
http://www.joslin.org
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
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