Diabetes education is an important tool for people who are at risk for developing diabetes or for those who already have the disease. Through diabetes education, a person learns how to prevent or manage this common condition, control their blood glucose (sugar) level, and reduce the risk of serious complications from it.
Unfortunately, too few people with diabetes or pre-diabetes turn to diabetes educators to help them get or stay healthy. According to the American Association of Diabetes (AADE), less than half of all people with diabetes get formal diabetes education. With more than 23 million people in the United States with diabetes – a number that is increasing every year – this is a big concern. Without this education, the rate of complications from the disease will be higher, and healthcare costs will escalate.
What is Diabetes Education?
People with diabetes have to pay close attention to what they eat and how they exercise. They also need to have a high level of self control (diet-wise) in order to keep their blood glucose level healthy. That’s what helps reduce the risk of complications from the disease. This can be challenging even for the most disciplined and highly organized person.
Diabetes education focuses on teaching people how to monitor blood glucose levels, manage medications, choose healthy foods and exercise habits, and reduce the risk of complications caused by poorly controlled or long-standing diabetes.
The best diabetes education involves a team to managing the health challenges that a person with diabetes faces. Part of a team approach includes working with a person who is formally trained in diabetes education. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and nutritionists are all important members of any diabetes educational team.
Research on the Importance of Diabetes Education
Diabetes is a complex condition that increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and other serious conditions. If you have diabetes, gaining control of glucose levels and making healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent or delay complications. Research shows that people with diabetes who have diabetes education can have improved health compared to those who do not receive diabetes education.
Diabetes education may help:
- Reduce or delay the incidence of diabetes, for instance by helping an overweight person lose weight
- Improve blood glucose levels (as detected in the hemoglobin A1C blood test that shows the glucose level in the body over the 2 to 3 months before the test)
- Reduce the rate of hospitalization and healthcare costs
According to the AADE there are at least 15,000 certified diabetes educators in the United States. Many private insurance companies and Medicare offer some level of coverage and reimbursement for diabetes education sessions.
If you are at risk for or have diabetes, talk with a doctor about including a diabetes educator as part of your team.
For more information, contact the American Association of Diabetes Educators. |
