A diabetes educator provides information and support to those affected by or at risk of developing diabetes. They work closely with patients, caregivers, and family members to address diet, exercise, glucose control, medication, and other concerns. The job requires problem-solving and interpersonal skills, and may involve culturally specific strategies.
A diabetes educator works with individuals affected by or at risk of developing diabetes to provide information and help develop coping skills and healthy habits. Trained professionals can be employed as diabetes educators in a variety of medical facilities, such as hospitals or pharmacies. Most diabetes educators are medical professionals, such as nurses or physicians, with additional certification in diabetes education. In some areas, people who work to educate others about diabetes do not need special medical degrees or certifications, although they often have special training or knowledge.
The job of a diabetes educator is spent working closely with real people with diabetes, as well as their caregivers and family members. When working with a patient, the diabetes educator may answer questions, offer advice, or try to modify behavior in some other way. A patient may have physical and emotional problems with drastic changes in their lifestyle; therefore, emphasis on the importance of these changes is critical.
Diabetes needs to be addressed on a variety of fronts, including diet, exercise, and glucose control. Other considerations include knowing how and when to take medications and when to seek professional help. A diabetes educator works with the patient to ensure they understand how diabetes affects their body and what to do to minimize the health risks of living with the disease.
Particularly when working with children, the diabetes educator should also share most of this information with caregivers. The diabetes trainer must be sure to address the concerns of the parents and family as well as the patient. When children have diabetes, they can be expected to contribute to their own care at different levels than adults. Typically, children must learn which specific symptoms to report to adults.
Some groups offer diabetes education but are not associated with a specific medical organization. These groups often focus on specific areas with high rates of diabetes. Native Americans in the United States, for example, often have social and biological problems with diabetes. A diabetes educator working specifically with a tribal group may employ a variety of strategies that are culturally specific to that tribe and may work to identify socially acceptable changes that can be made to members’ diets to combat the disorder.
The job of a diabetes educator is complex because dietary choices, biology, and other factors all play a role in diabetes. An educator’s job involves identifying problems and being able to find solutions. This involves extensive problem-solving skills as well as interpersonal skills. A job like this requires innovative and caring professionals who can handle serious health issues gracefully.
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