Diabetes
Overview
During our lesson, we will provide education about Diabetes and its causes, symptoms, prevention and
treatment. We will discuss risk factors for developing diabetes, and the dangers of poorly controlled
diabetes. We will discuss supportive therapies for diabetes. We will provide blood glucose screenings for
all present and provide a health passport that can be shown to their physician. We will also have time
for questions and discussion.
Objectives
1. Participants will express understanding of causes and symptoms of diabetes.
2. Participants will be able to discuss ways to prevent or manage diabetes.
3. Participants will gain understanding of the risks of poorly treated.
Information
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns
food into energy. Insulin is needed to convert food into energy for our body’s cells. With diabetes, your
body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Causes and risk factors Causes and risk factors are dependent on the type of diabetes. Type I is
predominately genetic. Type II risk factors include genetics, age, overweight/obesity, inadequate
physical activity, being of certain ethnicities (African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or
Alaska Native, Pacific Islanders or Asian American) and some medical conditions such as non-alcoholic
fatty liver disease, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Symptoms Some “classic” symptoms include:
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Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night
Are very thirsty
Lose weight without trying
Are very hungry
Have blurry vision
Have numb or tingling hands or feet
Feel very tired
Have very dry skin
Have sores that heal slowly
Have more infections than usual
Sometimes there are no specific symptoms, or it may take years for symptoms to gradually develop.
Prevention Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight; exercise daily; and eat plenty of fruits,
vegetables and whole grains.
Verification
The instructor and group facilitators will have a question-and-answer session to review topics.
Activity
The instructor and group facilitators will provide blood sugar screening to all participants who wish to
have their blood sugar checked. The results it will be recorded in the health passport provided to all
participants.
Summary
The instructor on group facilitators will ask, “What other questions do you have?”, and thank
participants for their interaction.
Equipment Needed
Blood glucose meters, lancets and test strips; Gloves; Alcohol prep pads and gauze 2x2’s
Detailed Outline/Instructor Notes
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns
food into energy. Insulin is needed to convert food into energy for our body’s cells. With diabetes, your
body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Causes Causes and risk factors are dependent on the type of diabetes. Type I is predominately genetic.
Type II risk factors include genetics, age, overweight/obesity, inadequate physical activity, being of
certain ethnicities (African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native, Pacific
Islanders or Asian American) and some medical conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,
prediabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Symptoms
Some “classic” symptoms include:





Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night
Are very thirsty
Lose weight without trying
Are very hungry
Have blurry vision





Have numb or tingling hands or feet
Feel very tired
Have very dry skin
Have sores that heal slowly
Have more infections than usual
Sometimes there are no specific symptoms, or it may take years for symptoms to gradually develop.
Diagnosis
A1C: The A1C test measures your average blood glucose for the past two to three months. The
advantages of being diagnosed this way are that you don't have to fast or drink anything. Diabetes is
diagnosed at an A1C of greater than or equal to 6.5%
Normal less than 5.7%
Prediabetes
5.7% to 6.4%
Diabetes
6.5% or higher
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): This test checks your fasting blood glucose levels. Fasting means after not
having anything to eat or drink (except water) for at least 8 hours before the test. This test is usually
done first thing in the morning, before breakfast. Diabetes is diagnosed at fasting blood glucose of
greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl on two or more separate occasions.
Normal less than 100 mg/dl
Prediabetes
100 mg/dl to 125 mg/dl
Diabetes
126 mg/dl or higher
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): The OGTT is a two-hour test that checks your blood glucose levels
before and two hours after you drink a special sweet drink. It tells the doctor how your body processes
sugar. Diabetes is diagnosed at two-hour blood glucose of greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl.
Normal less than 140 mg/dl
Prediabetes
140 to 199 mg/dl
Diabetes
200 mg/dl or higher
Random Plasma Glucose Test: This test is a blood check at any time of the day regardless of the timing
of food/beverage consumption. Diabetes is diagnosed at blood glucose of greater than or equal to 200
mg/dl.
Prevention
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid
high calorie processed foods. Decrease alcohol consumption (no more than one drink a day for women,
or no more than two drinks a day for men, spread out over the course of a week). Increase physical
activity with a goal of 30 to 60 minutes, at least 5 days per week. Stop smoking if you smoke and
minimize your exposure to secondhand smoke. Keep an eye on your cholesterol levels.
Treatment
If you do the preventative measures listed above and still develop prediabetes or diabetes, your doctor
will likely prescribe medication to reduce your blood sugar levels. It is important even if taking
medication to continue the preventative measures listed above. Do not stop taking your blood sugar
medication without consulting your doctor first, even if you feel better. Diabetes is not something that is
generally cured, except in certain circumstances.
Dangers of Poorly Treated Diabetes
Stroke
Heart attack
Kidney damage leading to end stage renal disease, requiring dialysis
Nerve Damage (Neuropathies)
Blindness
Infections
Wounds that won’t heal and may lead to the possible loss of limbs
References
American Diabetes Association. (2023) Diabetes. Retrieved from: https://diabetes.org/diabetes
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023) Diabetes Basics. Retrieved from:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html