American Association Diabetes Educators, A Core Curriculum For Diabetes Education.

Diabetes is the word that relates to the excess of sugar in the human body caused by insufficient excretion of the hormone known as insulin. The results of this deficiency are increase in weight, potential kidney failure and weakening of the sight and vision muscles. If a close member of the family has had this illness, then there is a good chance you could get it too. Diabetes cannot be cured but is controllable through medication and balanced diet. And before your think this is a joke, let me tell you Halle Berry has been doing it for years, and you can definitely control your weight.

There are three main types of Diabetes. Type 1 was generally known as insulin dependant diabetes mellitus. It occurs when the body's immune system starts to destroy the pancreatic cells. To survive this type of diabetes, the patient needs to take doses of insulin regularly either by injection or via pump. This type may affect even children and generally its onset is not bound by an age limit and the risk grows if a member of the family has this particular type of diabetes. Type 2 was generally know as non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus and is the more common of these two types. It begins with the body resisting the action/function of the insulin produced. It is most common in adults above the age of 40. Some women can get diabetic during pregnancy and that is known as Gestational diabetes. Women who have had this type of diabetes stand a good chance of getting type two of diabetes in their later years.

In this respect, the American Association Diabetes Educators provides education on self management to control the sugar levels so that a diabetic is not dependant on others for care. This association provides some basic guidelines and statistics for the disease but most importantly they host programs and offer publications for the diabetic. Through their website they allow one to find a diabetes educator or a physician approved by them. In addition to this they offer live web seminar to attend and gain knowledge of hot best to mange oneself through this sickness. They design their plan on following self care behaviors:

Healthy eating

Being active

Monitoring

Taking medication

Problem solving

Healthy coping

Reducing risks

The educators are health care professionals who help people suffering or at risk from diabetes to change their behavior patterns and incorporates a systematic and healthy way of life to fight this disease. Most of the educators are a member of the American Association of Diabetes Education (AADE). They also provide statistics about the disease. The AADE also funds research and provides scholarships. You can go online and visit their website to educate yourself or even contribute. This organization is a playing a key role for providing reliable education about this disease which as of 2007 has affected 23.6 million Americans. In addition to all this they also give access to publications regarding the latest developments and treatments as well as on going research. If you have just been diagnosed then this is a good place to start your journey to returning to a healthier and normal life.

• Felicia Byrnes
• 29/01/2009, 10:59 AM
• 0 Comments