1 in every 10, or 34.2 million Americans, have diabetes and 1 in 5 do not know they have it. People with diabetes are at greater risk for life-altering complications such as blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and loss of toes, feet, or legs. They also have a 60% increased risk of an early death. Diabetes not only affects one’s physical health but their social, relational, mental, financial, and occupational health as well. Below are some resources and conversation starters for patients and healthcare providers alike to prevent diabetes and to help keep all Alive and Thriving with Diabetes.
CDC Diabetes
Statistics, prevention and awareness campaigns, diabetes basics, living with diabetes, videos, podcasts, infographics, and research projects.
Diabetes Prevention Program
Provider- and self-referrals to help at-risk people avoid diabetes. Risk test, education, tool kits, and resources.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
4 Steps to Manage your Diabetes for Life resource for patients.
WakeMed Diabetes Management
Certified Adult and Gestational Diabetes Management, Pre-diabetes, Medical Nutrition Therapy, and weekly follow-up classes.
WakeMed Diabetes Support Group
No-cost, virtual meetings on 3rd Wed/month.
Call (919) 350-2198 or email: wmdiabetessupport@wakemed.org
WKCC Portal and Care Management
Resources and evidence-based support for patients in between appointments to address barriers and to optimize health and diabetes management.
Call 919-235-6488 or place a referral in Arcadia.
YMCA Medical Membership
Evidence-based programs for diabetes prevention and adult and pediatric weight loss.
Evidence-based guidelines, education, and tools for living healthy with diabetes for providers and patients:
- American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE)
- American Diabetes Association (ADA)
- Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES; formerly CDE)
- Novo Nordisk’s Cornerstones4Care for all patients; 12-week coaching if on product
- Novo Nordisk MEDLINK for professionals
Sample Conversations to Increase Patient’s Internal Motivation for Behavior Change
| Approach | Example | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Open-ended questions | Tell me what it’s like to have diabetes. What do you think might be causing a rise in your A1c? | Learn about their knowledge. Promotes open communication. |
| Reflection | Let me see if I have this right… On the one hand you are worried about your A1c but on the other hand you really love sweet tea? | Checks for accuracy. Validates their perception, feelings. |
| Build on existing strengths | You drink less sweet tea than you used to – how did you do that? | This is their motivation to change. |
| Ask Permission | Would you mind if I share some thoughts or information with you and then have you tell me what you think? | Affirms their independence to make their own decision. |
| Ask about readiness to change | Given this information, what are your thoughts about drinking sweet tea? | Hear how they are interpreting the new/correct information. |