Diabetes: Toward Self-Management

Course ID: DIA-101

Audience
Adult Continuing Education, High School Programs

Course Description
This course enables the student to identify the factors necessary to successfully manage diabetes. It is based on recommendations of the American Diabetes Association, the American Dietetic Association, and the American Association of Diabetes Educators. The lessons offer information to supplement the guidance provided by health care professionals.

Media
large print, braille, audiocassette, and online

Organization
The course is divided into ten lessons.

Credit
1/2 Unit

Prerequisites Skills
none

Prerequisite Equipment
Students provide their own writing tools. Those taking the audio version provide their own cassette recorders.

Overview
Ten assignments are submitted to the instructor. Assignments may be submitted in all formats.

Grading
letter grades

Average Completion Time
approximately 10 months

Objectives and Content
After completing Lesson 1, the student will be able to
a. discuss the impact of visual impairment on everyday life
b. outline the process of adjusting to major life changes
c. identify factors that influence the process of adjusting
d. explain how to maintain self-esteem as well as positive relationships with others

After completing Lesson 2, the student will be able to
a. indicate the characteristics of diabetes and pre-diabetes
b. identify the major types of diabetes
c. describe type 1 diabetes
d. describe type 2 diabetes
e. discuss the roles of specific health care professionals

After completing lesson 3, the student will be able to
a. discuss the structure of the eye
b. describe the range of visual functioning among persons who are visually impaired
c. give examples of complications that affect vision
d. name treatments for retinopathy and other complications
e. identify self-care techniques to administer medications and to avoid eye vessel bleeding

After completing Lesson 4, the student will be able to
a. define the term euglycemia
b. list symptoms of hypoglycemia as well as ways to minimize the effects of this condition
c. identify symptoms of hyperglycemia and prevention strategies

After completing Lesson 5, the student will be able to
a. identify tests that can be done at home as well as tests done by health care providers
b. explain how to prepare for blood glucose monitoring
c. describe techniques for checking blood sugar
d. discuss how to test urine for ketones

After completing Lesson 6, the student will be able to
a. explain how to develop an individualized meal plan
b. identify a variety of healthy foods
c. give examples of general nutrition guidelines
d. discuss the value of other nutrients and remedies
e. describe how to plan and prepare meals using adaptations for visual impairment

After completing Lesson 7, the student will be able to
a. discuss the benefits of physical activity
b. identify appropriate, enjoyable activities
c. explain how to plan an individual physical activity program
d. describe adaptive strategies

After completing Lesson 8, the student will be able to
a. explain the role of oral antidiabetes medications in type 2 diabetes self-management
b. identify the role, sources, and types of insulin
c. identify different insulin delivery methods
d. discuss ways to measure insulin when you have a visual impairment
e. discuss injection guidelines

After completing Lesson 9, the student will be able to
a. identify specific types of complications and guidelines to avoid them
b. give examples of different types of neuropathy
c. describe different forms of heart and blood vessel disease
d. discuss genito-urinary tract infections and kidney disease
e. indicate proper foot care guidelines
f. explain how to care for teeth and gums
g. list appropriate skin care guidelines

After completing Lesson 10, the student will be able to
a. describe professionals and services that provide rehabilitation
b. give examples of specific adaptive skills and devices for visual impairment
c. list ways to seek and maintain employment with diabetes and visual impairment