Bridging The Information Gap

The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is helping to bridge the information gap between healthcare providers and their patients. The NDEP, a branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), offers brochures and diabetes management tools that doctors, endocrinologists, dieticians and diabetes educators can use in their practices and also give to their patients.

When everyone uses the same resources, then everybody is "on the same page" with diabetes care. This helps to promote better understanding of diabetes and it's risks and complications. Progression of cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, neuropathy and retinopathy can be prevented or delayed with proper management of diabetes.

The fact that the publications from the NDEP are easy to read and have the patient in mind, really helps people with diabetes understand how to take care of their health. The NDEP has a website that offers these brochures for free. Anyone can either order these resources from the site, free of charge or download them directly. Some brochures that are offered include:

• 4 Steps to Control Your Diabetes for Life: a 16 page brochure that emphasizes what to do to control diabetes and includes a helpful diabetes care record sheet to keep track of blood glucose numbers and meals.
• If You Have Diabetes, Know Your Blood Sugar Numbers: This brochure teaches about blood glucose numbers and A1c numbers; what they mean, when to check them, and why.
• The Power to Control Diabetes is in Your Hands: Seniors with diabetes can learn what they need to do to manage their disease. It also provides Medicare information.

There are many, many more informational brochures available, free for the taking. Most come in multiple languages, to benefit all people of varied backgrounds and cultures.

Sources:

Stanton, Meredith, and Goldfarb, Bruce. "NDEP Tools Reach Primary Care." DOC News Nov 2006: 9.

"Diabetes Prevention." National Diabetes Education Program. 2006. National Institute of Health. 7 Nov 2006

Photo courtesy of Anissa Thompson