Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Diabetic education

Table of Contents

After you learn the basic principles of diabetes care and establish a routine (which can take several months), you may be interested in learning more about diabetes. Topics may include:

  • Alcohol use and diabetes
  • How to adjust insulin and diet for variations in meal times and changes in routine (such as exercise)
  • How to handle eating out
  • How to modify insulin doses based on blood glucose levels

It's a good idea to review diabetes information every year, because there is constantly new research and improved ways to treat the disease.

A certified diabetes educator (CDE) is an excellent resource for information on diabetes. This person is usually a nurse or pharmacist. Often, the diabetes educator can help you develop a management plan based on your:

  • Activity level
  • Age
  • Eating patterns
  • Work/school schedule

Some medical centers offer diabetes clinics that specialize in helping patients with diabetes. These clinics often combine the resources of several experts in diabetes management, including a:

  • Certified diabetes educator
  • Diabetes nurse practitioner
  • Physician who specializes in the care of people with diabetes
  • Podiatrist
  • Registered dietitian
  • Social worker

These clinics also are a good source of information for people with diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation offer several pamphlets and brochures about diabetes. For information on educational programs and seminars, contact:

  • Hospitals and medical centers in your area
  • The American Association of Diabetes Educators
  • The American Diabetes Association (ADA)
  • The American Dietetic Association
  • Your local health department

See diabetes support groups for a list of several educational and supportive resources.


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Review Date: 05/23/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)