Building Competency in Diabetes Education THE ESSENTIALS

FOUNDATIONS OF DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AND SUPPORT| 2-99

Module 7. Knowledge of chronic complications

Level

Knowledge

Level 1: Survival

a) States chronic complications associated with diabetes. b) Identifies four essential rules for proper foot care. c)

Level 2: Basic

a) Recognizes the need for regular medical follow-up with family physician and/or diabetes specialist. b) Verbalizes feeling/attitudes about potential chronic complications associated with diabetes. c) Identifies appropriate timing for screening for complications. a) Identifies risk factors for development of complications. b) States ways and takes action to decrease risks associated with complications. c) States awareness of community resources to facilitate effective coping. d) States targets for BP, BG and lipid control. a) Intensifies self-care therapy to lower risk of chronic complications. b) Meets all metabolic targets to lower risk of chronic complications. c) Adjusts self-care actions if and when chronic complications occur. d) Uses resource persons to deal with effects of chronic illness appropriately.

Level 3: Intermediate

Level 4: Advanced

BG = blood glucose; BP = blood pressure

These objectives and modules were developed by the staff of the Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes. They are intended as an example of the progression for structured educational learning. Please keep in mind that patients will more readily learn what is relevant to their need and their situation. Individualizing educational interventions is as important as individualizing medications.