 Pre-diabetes Education Program
Did you know that -
* diabetes was the 7th leading cause of death in Wyoming in 2003*?
* nearly 6% of Wyoming's adult popluation has diabetes (22,100 individuals)?
* the prevalence of diabetes in Wyoming increased from 3% in 1997 to 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 Program
The Wyoming Area Health Education Center (AHEC) collaborated with Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie during the summer of 2007 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 referral.
Initial meeting
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
Liefsty Questionnaire - POST-education
Participant Data sheet
Program Evaluation
Tools
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.
Staffing
The teaching 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.
Subsequent meetings
A total of 7 meetings were held from June thru September. Participants met on alternate Tuesdays over the lunch hour. 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. A panel of experts was available for a question and answer period. Measures were again taken, participants completed a Program Evaluation, and filled out a Post-Education Lifestyle Questionnaire. Participants were reminded that their results would be sent to their Primary Care providers.
Lessons Learned
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
Celebrate successes along the way
* Reducing the Burden of Diabetes in Wyoming - a project of the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program
** small steps: big rewards. Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
*** Wyoming Area Health Education Center * University of Wyoming * Health Sciences Center
Last Updated on 1/15/2009 1:48:36 PM |
