Diabetes Education Help

Question of the week from FOODPICKER.org

Nancy M. asks: "I am trying to find a class for our grandson. He is 19 and has a part-time job but no insurance. He just found out last week that he is a type 1 diabetes after losing a lot of weight and his blood sugar was 523. He is on insulin but needs to go to a class to manage his diabetes without going hungry. Where do we start? Any suggestions would help us a lot."

Answer: Learning you or someone you love has diabetes can turn your world upside-down, but know that help is available and you are not alone! There are many resources to check, even without medical insurance. Diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be managed. People with diabetes can enjoy healthy, long life filled with delicious foods - but education is the first step. It is extremely important for your grandson to start taking an active role in his health right away.

First, where was your grandson diagnosed? I would check with the doctor, healthcare provider or clinic that actually made the diagnosis. Also check with other other local hospitals and clinics. It is very likely they have many resources already in place for people just like your grandson.

Second, your best bet would be to find a certified diabetes educator in your area. You can locate a diabetes educator through the American Association of Diabetes Educators. A certified diabetes educator (CDE) is a healthcare professional with additional training and specialized knowledge in diabetes self-management education. A variety of healthcare professionals may also be CDEs - doctors, nurses, registered dietitians, pharmacists, etc.

Another resource is the American Dietetic Association, through which you can find a registered dietitian (RD) in your area. Registered dietitians are food and nutrition experts. An RD will assess your grandson's nutritional needs, work with him to provide knowledge and facilitate lifestyle changes that fit within his current work schedule and activity level.

Note that both websites above will generate a list of providers, from there you can contact the individual diabetes educator or registered dietitan to see what s/he offers in terms of classes, one-on-one education sessions, and find out about cost. Some RDs and CDEs work alone, some are part of a larger healthcare facility or network of facilities.

Also, be sure to check out the American Diabetes Association for more resources and information on diabetes basics, lifestyle and events.  Finally, you might also want to tell your grandson to check your state Department of Health's website. For example, New York State DOH has a diabetes page filled with information and available resources.

Good luck!