The Importance of Diabetes Education and Counseling for people with Diabetes and chronic diseases

Amcec Health

Sep 11 2022

3 Min. Read

Reviewed by

Desmond Croker RN, Dip. OHS, BSN, MSN, CCDE

March 17 2023

Diabetes

Health Care

Self Care

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people globally. It can cause severe complications if not In this blog post, we will explore the roles diabetes educators play in the care and management of individuals with diabetes. managed well. Diabetes education and counseling are essential to ensure that people with diabetes can manage their disease effectively.

Diabetes care and education specialists provide collaborative, comprehensive, and person-centered care and education to people with diabetes and cardiometabolic conditions.

In this blog post, we will explore the roles diabetes educators play in the care and management of individuals with diabetes.

Who is Diabetes Educator?

Diabetes educators are medical practitioners who are specially trained to help persons with diabetes in the management of their disease.

They undergo theoretical and practical training in behavior change, nutrition, safe exercise, stress management, hospital care, and medication management of persons with type 1, type 2, and Gestational diabetes. Diabetes educators can include nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers, or doctors.

They must pass an exam to become a certified diabetes educator and renew their licenses to stay up-to-date on the latest findings and breakthroughs.

Effectiveness of Diabetes Education

Diabetes education and counseling are effective in helping individuals with diabetes manage their disease. Research suggests that diabetes self-management education, led by diabetes educators, can lower the risk of complications like nerve and kidney damage.

This can help people avoid dialysis (kidney support) and improve their quality of life. Knowing what’s going on with your body also helps you feel more in control of your health.

Benefits of Diabetes Education and Counseling

Individualized care

The diabetes educator sees you as an individual, not a disease, which means that management will be geared toward meeting the identified immediate and long-term needs.

Support for Cultivating New Habits 

The diabetes educator understands that “habits die hard” and, as such, will focus on helping you cultivate new habits recognizing that this may take time and continuous support.

Understanding Treatment Options 

The diabetes educator is well-versed in the various treatment options available to you and can help you understand each option's benefits and demerits.

Addressing Barriers

The diabetes educator recognizes that the environment in which you live may not always be conducive to good management of your diabetes and will work with you on finding solutions that can circumvent these barriers.

Life-Long Skills

The diabetes educator understands that your management of diabetes is something you need to deal with every day and every moment of your life and will equip you, family members, or significant others with the skills needed to make the best decisions in the times when you are away from medical personnel.

Prevention of Complications 

Well-controlled diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of complications of diabetes, including heart attacks, stroke, amputation, stomach problems, blindness, kidney failure, sexual dysfunction, etc.

Customized Plan

Your management plan for diabetes will be uniquely customized to you and your situation, making it specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART).

Improved Quality of Life 

Effective diabetes management can significantly improve your quality of life, making it easier to carry out your daily activities.

Cost-Effective 

By controlling your diabetes, you can save money and other trouble caused by having to deal with complications.

Better Control of Blood Sugar Levels Diabetes education and counseling can help you keep good blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of complications.

Family support 

Your diabetes educator may work with your family so they understand your needs better and can be there to support you.

Tailored Management Plan

Your diabetes educator will work with you to create a management plan for diabetes that fits into your schedule and circumstance.

Conclusion

Working with a diabetes educator can significantly improve your diabetes management and overall health outcomes.

With their extensive knowledge and expertise, diabetes educators can create a personalized plan tailored to your individual needs, goals, and lifestyle.

By helping you to make behavioral changes, understand treatment options, navigate barriers, and stay on track with your diabetes management plan, they can help you achieve better blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications.

So don't wait; take the first step towards better diabetes management and book an appointment with a diabetes educator today. And don't forget to subscribe to AMCEC's monthly newsletter for more healthy lifestyle tips and advice.