Diabetes Awareness and Education Materials

The National Diabetes Education Program can provide bulk copies of patient education materials in a variety of languages for your patients.  To obtain this diabetes education materials, visit www.ndep.nih.gov.
 
Low literacy material are available to download at www.learningaboutdiabetes.org.
 
The Connecticut Department of Public Health has developed low literacy diabetes materials.

 

Referrals to Diabetes Self-management Education Centers

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and cost savings of diabetes self-management education.  According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes self-management education (DSME) is a critical element of care for all people with diabetes and is necessary in order to improve patient outcomes.  Receiving diabetes self-management education has been shown to be positively associated with higher levels of comprehensive diabetes clinical care which in turn can help prevent the costly complications of diabetes. (1)  Other studies have shown costs can be reduced by referrals to DSME, specifically in disadvantaged areas. (2)  Currently CT based insurances and the Medicare program cover DSME.
 
  1. Johnson, et.al. Association between Self-Management Education and Comprehensive Diabetes Clinical Care.  Diabetes Spectrum, winter 2010, 41-46.
  2. Duncan, et al. Assessing the Value of Diabetes Education. The Diabetes Educator 35(5) 752-760.
 
For more information on the locations of diabetes education centers, visit the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program’s Self-management Web Site.

 

Referrals to Community-Based Self-management Programs

The Connecticut Diabetes Prevention and Control Program works closely with partners for the State Department on Aging to coordinate the Stanford Chronic Disease Self-management Program and the Diabetes Self-management Program.  These six week classes are available in English and Spanish.  The Chronic Disease Self-management Program is appropriate for patients with diabetes as well as for patients with other chronic diseases.  These programs are intended to enhance, not replace diabetes self-management education.
 
For more information on the community-based self-management programs, visit the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program’s Self-management Web Site.

 

Diabetes Management for Children and Adolescents

Visit the diabetes section of school nursing web page for guidance on effective diabetes management in schools and for a plan outlining diabetes management for children and adolescents to be used at home or in any community or school setting.

 

Diabetes Prevention Programs

A CDC-recognized lifestyle change program is a structured program developed specifically to prevent type 2 diabetes. It is designed for people who have prediabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes, but who do not already have diabetes.
 
A trained lifestyle coach leads the program to help you change certain aspects of your lifestyle, like eating healthier, reducing stress, and getting more physical activity. The program also includes group support from others who share your goals and struggles.
For more information on the prediabetes and to find a local diabetes prevention program, visit the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program’s Prediabetes Web Site.
 
 
 
Department of Public Health Contact Information
Connecticut Diabetes Prevention and Control Program (DPCP)
410 Capitol Ave, MS 11-CHLS
Hartford, CT 06134
P: (860) 509-7737
F: (860) 509-7855