Diabetes Education Methods:
Taking China as an example, according to the “Outline of the national diabetes prevention and control plan 1996-2000” issued by the Chinese Ministry of Health, they have organized, planned, and step-by-step established a team of diabetes educators to widely promote diabetes education. Internationally, diabetes education is regarded as an equally important task as etiological research and clinical research, and a diabetes prevention and control education system has been established. In recent years, China’s diabetes education work has achieved certain results. Combining local experiences, the following education methods are suitable for China’s national conditions:
1.Publicity through social media:
Through television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and other channels, the knowledge of diabetes etiology, hazards, and prevention methods is popularized. Diabetes workers should actively participate in publicity activities, remind local health management departments to pay attention to diabetes prevention and control, and improve the public’s awareness of diabetes prevention and control.
2.Organize diabetes training courses for medical personnel:
China’s diabetes prevention and control network is not yet well-established, especially in community-based diabetes prevention and control personnel. Planned training of diabetes specialized technical personnel should be implemented, starting from cities and then moving to rural areas, gradually establishing diabetes prevention and control centers and community diabetes prevention and control groups across the country.
3.Education for patients and their families:
This is the final and most crucial link in diabetes education. Education methods include:
- Organizing diabetes knowledge classes to enable patients to understand related basic knowledge, treatment methods, and self-monitoring techniques, such as learning how to inject insulin, use urine sugar test papers and blood glucose meters, etc. These classes can be organized during patient hospitalization or conducted in the form of community education.
- Establishing diabetes consultation clinics or hotlines to promptly answer questions patients may encounter during treatment.
- Organizing patient experience exchanges to share treatment experiences, help patients build confidence in recovery, and improve their quality of life.
- Establishing patient registration cards and self-monitoring record cards to systematically observe changes in disease conditions, provide further treatment guidance for patients, and improve the diabetes prevention and control level of both doctors and patients.
Diabetes Education In the United States
In the United States, various policies and initiatives have been implemented to address diabetes education and management, with the goal of improving public health outcomes and reducing the burden of diabetes on individuals and the healthcare system. One such initiative is the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP), which is a federally funded effort jointly run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NDEP collaborates with partners to enhance the treatment of diabetes, promote early diagnosis, and prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. It provides a wealth of resources and educational materials tailored for patients, healthcare providers, and the general public.
Another significant policy is the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a landmark healthcare reform law enacted in 2010. The ACA includes provisions that expand and improve access to comprehensive diabetes prevention and management services. Notably, it mandates that health plans cover preventive services, such as diabetes screening, without imposing additional costs on beneficiaries.
The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a lifestyle change program specifically designed to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes among individuals who are at high risk. Recognized by the CDC, several organizations are authorized to deliver the DPP, and some Medicare plans now cover the program, enhancing its accessibility for older adults who are at increased risk for diabetes.
Each November, the United States observes National Diabetes Month to raise awareness about diabetes and its impact on public health. Various organizations, including the American Diabetes Association (ADA), utilize this month to promote education, advocacy, and support for diabetes management and prevention.
Additionally, many states have their own diabetes prevention and control programs, which are funded by the CDC. These state-level programs implement evidence-based strategies to decrease the prevalence of diabetes and improve health outcomes for those living with the condition.
Lastly, the HealthierUS School Challenge, supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), encourages schools to foster healthier environments for students by promoting physical activity and serving nutritious meals. This initiative is instrumental in preventing type 2 diabetes by encouraging healthy lifestyles among children.
These policies and programs collectively represent a comprehensive approach to diabetes education and prevention in the United States. They aim to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and tools to manage their health effectively and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
