Diabetic Educators are a essential member of the healthcare team. This is a complex role as diabetes is an umbrella for the various types of diabetes that require unique and individualized treatment.
In the beginning of diagnosis, diabetic educators are there doing the introductory sessions about diabetic care. How to check your blood sugar. Carb Counting. Low blood sugar signs. High blood sugar signs. Diabetic Diet. Exercise Routines. Reading food labels. How to take your medications. And the list can go on.
Diabetic Educators are able to provide care that goes beyond the basics. They are healthcare professionals who are trained to educate and support individuals with diabetes in managing their condition effectively. Here are some reasons why diabetic educators are important:
Improving Understanding: Diabetic educators help individuals with diabetes understand the complexities of their condition, including how to manage their blood sugar levels, the impact of their diet and lifestyle on their health, and how to prevent or manage complications.
Encouraging Self-Care: By providing education and support, diabetic educators help individuals with diabetes develop the skills and confidence they need to take charge of their own care, including monitoring their blood sugar levels, making healthy lifestyle choices, and adhering to their treatment plan.
Managing Complications: Diabetic educators work with individuals to identify and manage any complications associated with diabetes, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy, helping to prevent or delay the progression of these complications.
Improving Quality of Life: By providing education and support, diabetic educators help individuals with diabetes improve their overall quality of life, allowing them to better manage their condition and live a full and active life.
Coordination of Care: Diabetic educators work closely with other members of the healthcare team, including doctors, dietitians, and nurses, to ensure that individuals receive comprehensive, coordinated care for their diabetes.
There have been times in my own diabetic journey that my diabetic educators caught trends that needed adjustments, taught me how to care for my pregnancies, tailored breastfeeding care to the unique needs of diabetes, etc. They have helped obtain referrals to other specialists when my primary provider would not provide me with one. The list goes on and on. Diabetic educators play a crucial role in helping individuals with diabetes manage their condition effectively, improving their quality of life, and preventing or managing complications.
References
American Diabetes Association. (2022). Home | ADA. Diabetes.org. https://diabetes.org/
CDCES. (n.d.). Www.diabeteseducator.org. https://www.diabeteseducator.org/education/certification/cdces
Welcome to CBDCE - CBDCE. (n.d.). Www.cbdce.org. https://www.cbdce.org/
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