SEMDSA(Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes South Africa) 2017 guidelines state that all patients with Diabetes should be offered a structured education program that is evidence-based at the time of diagnosis and at regular intervals there-after .  This is to help patients feel confident and equipped to manage their own Diabetes.

 

An educator is someone who is appropriately trained to help Diabetes patients understand and feel confident about the following:

• Basic knowledge of diabetes

• Importance of good comprehensive control and methods to achieve this

• Insulin injection techniques and sites of injection

• Self-monitoring of blood glucose

• Recognition and management of acute and chronic complications

• Foot care

• Smoking cessation and responsible alcohol use

• Pre-conception care

• Pregnancy:  preparing, managing diabetes during pregnancy and appropriate post-natal care.

• Psychosocial issues, stress management and coping skills

• Training of caregivers and family of people with diabetes

• Managing diabetes emergencies

• Assess nutrition and physical activity

• Address poly-pharmacy and co-morbidities

• Assess for cognitive dysfunction, depression and physical disability

• Address quality of life versus life expectancy