5 Healthy Eating Habits for Diabetes Prevention and Management
Use Nutrition to Take Control of Your Health In 2021, 38.4 million Americans, or 11.6% of the population, were diagnosed with diabetes—a number that...
3 min read
World Diabetes Day offers a meaningful opportunity for healthcare providers to connect with patients and share valuable resources to support diabetes education and management. Here are ten free downloadable resources tailored for providers to help educate patients on diabetes management, prevention, and overall wellness.
1. So You Have Diabetes, What's Next? Patient Toolkit
For: Patients
This all-in-one toolkit provides diabetic patients with essential knowledge and tools to manage their condition. It includes an overview of the different types of diabetes, vaccine recommendations, myth-busting insights, and other resources to empower patients on their journey. Providers can use this toolkit to guide newly diagnosed patients or those looking to deepen their understanding of diabetes management.
2. Pre-Diabetes Awareness Informational Flyer/Poster
For: Patients & Providers
Highlight the importance of early detection and prevention with this pre-diabetes flyer. It provides an overview of pre-diabetes, warning signs, and simple lifestyle changes that can help patients delay or even prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. This flyer/poster is ideal for providers to distribute in clinics, waiting rooms, or community health events.
3. Type 1 Diabetes Informational Flyer/Poster
For: Patients & Providers
This quick-reference flyer helps explain Type 1 diabetes, a condition that often requires lifelong management. Providers can display as a poster or distribute as a flyer to offer patients a concise and clear understanding of Type 1 diabetes, which is especially helpful for new diagnoses or younger patients and their families.
4. Ideal Values Quick Reference Guide
For: Patients & Providers
The Ideal Values Quick Reference Guide is an invaluable tool for providers to use when explaining glucose, HbA1c, lipid, and blood pressure goals to patients. This guide simplifies these complex metrics and allows providers to personalize recommendations based on patients' unique needs, making it a versatile resource for ongoing diabetes education.
5. Diabetes Thanksgiving Guide: Diabetes-Friendly Delights
For: Patients & Providers
Holidays can be a challenging time for people with diabetes. This Thanksgiving Guide offers patients and providers strategies for healthy snacking before a festive meal, helping to control hunger and prevent blood sugar spikes. Educate patients on making diabetes-friendly choices to enjoy the holidays without compromising their health.
6. Caring for Your Feet
For: Patients
Foot health is essential for people with diabetes, as high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of sores, wounds, and infections. This educational resource offers guidance on caring for feet, highlighting tips to prevent common diabetic foot problems. Providers can distribute this resource during appointments or diabetes workshops to emphasize the importance of regular foot care.
7. Diabetes Self-Management Word Search
For: Patients
Introduce an element of fun with this diabetes self-management word search. Designed to engage patients of all ages, this word search reinforces key concepts related to diabetes care. Providers can share it with patients as a light-hearted yet informative activity, especially useful for support groups or diabetes education workshops. Great to place in waiting rooms!
8. Reference Guide for Ordering Labs Handout
For: Providers
This comprehensive reference guide assists providers when ordering labs for diabetes or kidney disease diagnosis. It’s a handy resource that lists recommended labs, helping to streamline the diagnostic process for diabetes-related conditions. Print or digitally share this guide to simplify lab-ordering for providers in busy practice settings.
9. Grocery Guide for Healthy Kidneys
For: Patients
Many people with diabetes are also at risk for kidney disease. This grocery guide outlines kidney-friendly foods that support better overall health. It’s a great handout for patients aiming to adjust their diet, especially those who need to manage both diabetes and kidney health.
10. Chronic Kidney Disease: Are You at Risk? Calculator
For: Patients
This online CKD risk calculator helps patients assess their risk for developing kidney disease, a common complication of diabetes. Providers can use this tool during appointments to engage patients in proactive health management, encouraging them to address risks before complications arise.
Each of these resources serves as a practical tool for educating patients and enhancing their understanding of diabetes. By providing clear, accessible information, healthcare providers can help patients make informed decisions that support their long-term health. Use these resources to inspire positive changes in patient care and celebrate World Diabetes Day by fostering a community of informed, empowered individuals ready to take charge of their diabetes. For more free resources, visit the West Virginia Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention Program Resource Library and the QIN-QIO Resource Library.
Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention Made Easy: Insurance-Covered Nutrition Therapy in WV
Take Control of Your Kidney Health with the West Virginia CKD Prevention Program Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects many West Virginians, often...
Emergency Preparedness for Dialysis Facilities: Ensuring Patient Safety and Continuity of Care During Natural Disasters
Natural disasters can strike unexpectedly, and for dialysis facilities, being prepared is critical. Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) rely...