Dec 2, 2014 2 min read

Diabetes is a worldwide public health problem requiring attention on several different levels. The growing financial burden of diabetes management threatens healthcare systems around the world. Diabetes self-management education has been shown to be valuable and effective in both lowering the use of acute care services and positively affecting behavior change in persons with diabetes and pre-diabetes.

The majority (95%) of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes. The development of Type 2 diabetes is associated with the genetic predisposition and is increased by the preventable risk factors of obesity, physical inactivity and poor nutrition. The onset of Type 2 can be delayed or prevented all together by disrupting one or more risk factors.

Once diabetes has been diagnosed, long-term complications associated with poor diabetes control can be prevented or delayed if the diabetes is well controlled. Diabetes control is achieved through effective disease management that includes education to facilitate lifestyle change.

One in every three individuals born today will develop diabetes during their lifetime. One in every four individuals currently is at risk for diabetes.

Because the care of diabetes is primarily self-directed, self-management support is the key to success. The AADE (American Association of Diabetes Educators) has outlined 7 self-care behaviors that encompass diabetes management.

They are:

1. Healthy eating

2. Being active

3. Monitoring

4. Taking medications

5. Problem-solving

6. Healthy coping

7. Reducing risks

The Washington Health System Diabetes Education and Management Program has been recognized for 25 years by the American Diabetes Association. They have three certified diabetes educators (CDE’s). They are Dana Stainbrook, RN, MSN, CDE, Ava Clements RN, BSN, CDE and Katherine Stephens Bogard, RD, MS, CDE. They offer individual and group education, nutrition counseling, insulin dose refinement and other diabetes related services. They may be reached at 724-250-6262 or by email at demp@whs.org.