How to Teach About Diabetes to Medical Personnel

Medical personnel work in all areas of health care and some of them will work with diabetes patients. In teaching medical personnel about care of the diabetic, focus on topics like signs and symptoms, glucose control, nutrition, exercise, foot care, eye testing, medications, wound care, gangrene, amputation and dialysis. When medical personnel understand these issues, diabetic patients get better care.

Instructions

• 1

  Develop lesson plans to teach about general diabetes signs and symptoms. Some common signs and symptoms are polydipsia, polyura, polyphagia, extreme and debilitating fatigue, blurry vision, unexpected weight loss, tingling and numbness in extremities.

• 2

  Develop lesson plans to teach about basic concepts about glucose control. Include coverage of HbA1c testing and finger sticks. Convey information about problems that patients have with daily finger sticks and types of blood draw apparatus available on the market. Include how often A1c testing should be done.

• 3

  Develop lesson plans to teach about diabetic ulcer care. Include coverage of ulcer detection, wound cleaning and debriding. Convey the importance of foot care to prevent gangrene and amputation. Go over foot care products, and the utility of using a mirror so patients can check the bottoms of their feet regularly.

• 4

  Develop lesson plans that teach about issues related to nutrition and foods that raise glucose levels. Provide lists of allowable foods and sample diabetic diets. Discuss caloric intake and alcohol consumption.

• 5

  Develop lesson plans to teach about medications used for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Include information about insulin injections and oral medications and include sample insulin medication schedules.

• 6

  Develop lesson plans that teach about dialysis. Include information about pic lines, dialysis schedules, amount of time per treatment and complications.