What is Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic, often debilitating and sometimes-fatal disease in which the body either cannot produce insulin (type 1) or is not able to properly use the insulin it produces (type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes). The body needs insulin to utilize glucose as an energy source (O'Grady, 2006). Without enough insulin to utilize the glucose, high levels will accumulate in the blood (Conway, 2010).
Type 2 diabetes is a highly prevalent, serious and costly chronic disease that is reaching epidemic proportions in Canada and around the world. The majority of people (90%) with diabetes have the form of diabetes previously referred to as Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes or NIDDM. It is now formally called type 2 diabetes. Many (up to 50 %) with type 2 DM will eventually require insulin to control their blood sugars (Conway, 2010). This is in contrast to people who as a result of having type 1 diabetes, will require insulin injections from point of diagnosis in order to survive (Conway, 2010). Both type 1 and type 2 DM are associated with significant long -term complications, such as dysfunction and failure of the kidney, eye, nerves, heart and blood vessels if blood glucose levels are not controlled. These complications can significantly impact the quality of life for those with diabetes and also contribute to health care costs.
The incidence of diabetes continues to increase in Canada for all age groups. It is estimated that more than 9 million Canadians are living with diabetes or pre diabetes. With more than 20 people being diagnosed each day in Canada, a critical element of diabetes care is patient education (Conway, 2010). Until recently, type 2 diabetes usually affected people over the age of 40 however the incidence is rapidly increasing in children and adolescents and is no longer a disease of aging (O'Grady, 2006).
Population based studies suggest the prevalence of diabetes in Canada may be higher than 7% as it is estimated that approximately one-third of adults with type 2 diabetes are unaware they have the disease (Conway, 2010 ). The annual cost to the Canadian healthcare system is currently estimated at approximately 12 billion dollars, and if left unchecked, could climb to nearly 17 billion by 2020 (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2004). In 2005 in Ontario, the prevalence was estimated at 8.8% which indicated a 69% increase since 1995 and a 27% increase since 2000 (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2004).
Why is there a need for education?
Diabetes self-management is recognized as the cornerstone of a person's diabetes care. A vast majority (98%) of the care is provided by the person with diabetes rather than any member of the healthcare team (O’Grady, 2006). The person with diabetes must have the knowledge and skills to successfully manage their diabetes.
Education is seen as a primary intervention for the lifestyle changes required in type 2 diabetes. Research has demonstrated that goal setting, self- monitoring of blood glucose levels and providing strategies to enhance behavioural change have the most favourable outcomes in outpatient settings (French, Whitman & Gallagher, 1989; Whittemore, Chase, Mandle and Roy, 2001).
Type 2 diabetes is a highly prevalent, serious and costly chronic disease that is reaching epidemic proportions in Canada and around the world. The majority of people (90%) with diabetes have the form of diabetes previously referred to as Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes or NIDDM. It is now formally called type 2 diabetes. Many (up to 50 %) with type 2 DM will eventually require insulin to control their blood sugars (Conway, 2010). This is in contrast to people who as a result of having type 1 diabetes, will require insulin injections from point of diagnosis in order to survive (Conway, 2010). Both type 1 and type 2 DM are associated with significant long -term complications, such as dysfunction and failure of the kidney, eye, nerves, heart and blood vessels if blood glucose levels are not controlled. These complications can significantly impact the quality of life for those with diabetes and also contribute to health care costs.
The incidence of diabetes continues to increase in Canada for all age groups. It is estimated that more than 9 million Canadians are living with diabetes or pre diabetes. With more than 20 people being diagnosed each day in Canada, a critical element of diabetes care is patient education (Conway, 2010). Until recently, type 2 diabetes usually affected people over the age of 40 however the incidence is rapidly increasing in children and adolescents and is no longer a disease of aging (O'Grady, 2006).
Population based studies suggest the prevalence of diabetes in Canada may be higher than 7% as it is estimated that approximately one-third of adults with type 2 diabetes are unaware they have the disease (Conway, 2010 ). The annual cost to the Canadian healthcare system is currently estimated at approximately 12 billion dollars, and if left unchecked, could climb to nearly 17 billion by 2020 (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2004). In 2005 in Ontario, the prevalence was estimated at 8.8% which indicated a 69% increase since 1995 and a 27% increase since 2000 (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2004).
Why is there a need for education?
Diabetes self-management is recognized as the cornerstone of a person's diabetes care. A vast majority (98%) of the care is provided by the person with diabetes rather than any member of the healthcare team (O’Grady, 2006). The person with diabetes must have the knowledge and skills to successfully manage their diabetes.
Education is seen as a primary intervention for the lifestyle changes required in type 2 diabetes. Research has demonstrated that goal setting, self- monitoring of blood glucose levels and providing strategies to enhance behavioural change have the most favourable outcomes in outpatient settings (French, Whitman & Gallagher, 1989; Whittemore, Chase, Mandle and Roy, 2001).
What are Diabetes Education Centres (DECs)?
Diabetes Education Centres are clinics that are funded to provide this type of education and support through various program initiatives for people with diabetes and their family members.
The Purpose of DECs
The purpose or goals of the DECs are to meet the targets of the Ontario Diabetes Strategy. These teams provide education on self-management behaviours. These behaviours include:
As noted above, patient education could bring about positive health outcomes in areas such as functional status, behavioural changes, knowledge level as well as family and individual coping (Rankins, Stalling & London, 2005)
- Manage healthy intake of food to control blood glucose and cholesterol levels
- Self monitor blood glucose (SMBG) with devices known as blood glucose metres
- Take and manage medications including insulin as required
- Incorporate physical activity into daily routine
- Learn how to problem solve in relation to blood glucose levels
As noted above, patient education could bring about positive health outcomes in areas such as functional status, behavioural changes, knowledge level as well as family and individual coping (Rankins, Stalling & London, 2005)