AHEC Activities

Pre-Diabetes Education Program

• Diabetes was the 7th leading cause of death in Wyoming in 2003*?

• Nearly 6% of Wyoming’s adult population has diabetes (22,100 individuals)?

• The prevalence of diabetes in Wyoming increased from 3% in 1997 to 5.8% in 2003?

• Diabetes can lead to serious complications such as blindness, kidney damage, and lower limb amputations?

• From July ‘02 thru June ‘03 there were 66 lower extremity amputations related to diabetes in Wyoming?

• From July ‘02 thru June ‘03 there were 68 cases of end-stage renal disease related to diabetes in Wyoming residents?

The Wyoming Area Health Education Center (AHEC) collaborated this past summer with Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie, WY to offer a free Pre-diabetes Education Program to eligible adults in Albany County. Educational materials were obtained from the National Diabetes Education Program.

Flyers, newspaper ads, and radio announcements were used to disseminate information about the program. People who met criterion (risk factors) were accepted into the program with a doctor’s order.

At the initial meeting participants were given an overview of the program and asked to complete the following paperwork;

• Medication listing  

• Model Release  

• Behavior Contract and Goals

• Walking Baseline

• Lifestyle Questionnaire-Pre-education  

• Participant Data sheet

A pedometer, theraband, food diary, activity calendar, lunch, and an educational packet

(Small Steps: Big Rewards. Your GAME PLAN to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes: Information for Patients  http://ndep.nih.gov/campaigns/SmallSteps/SmallSteps_index.htm) were provided to those in the program.

A total of 7 meetings were held, convening on alternate Tuesdays over the lunch hour from June thru September. Many participants had to return to work so boxed lunches were provided. Topics at different meetings included nutrition, exercise, making a change, motivation, dining out, etc.

Each meeting had a physical activity component to it (yoga, stretching, strength training, walking). The 7th class was a wind-up session. Measures were again taken, participants completed a Program Evaluation, and filled out a Post-Education Lifestyle Questionnaire.

A panel of experts was available for a question and answer period. Participants were reminded that their results would be sent to their Primary Care providers and each participant was awarded a Certificate of Completion.

The professional staff included a doctor, dietitian, nurse, physical therapist, counselor and a social worker. Student volunteers from Community Health Advancement Program (**CHAP) were a valuable resource in directing people, taking measures, and disseminating information.

• Limit the size of your program to what your facility/staff can comfortably accommodate

• Ensure room for privacy while weighing and measuring

• Designate specific duties to each volunteer/staff member

• e-mail articles on Pre-diabetes/diabetes to participants

• e-mailed reminders were appreciated and kept participants on track

• Over-organize – this will ensure that your program runs smoothly

• Celebrate successes along the way

If you’d like to start this program in your community, feel free to use the attached forms;

Doctor’s Order
Medication Listing
Model Release
Behavior Contract and Goals
Walking Baseline
Participant Data sheet
Activity Calendar
Program Evaluation

Wyoming Department of Health – Diabetes Newsletter
    http://wdh.state.wy.us/Media.aspx?mediaId=666

National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP)
    http://www.ndep.nih.gov/campaigns/SmallSteps/SmallSteps_index.htm

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
    http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/

** small steps: big rewards. Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

*** Wyoming Area Health Education Center * University of Wyoming * Health Sciences Center