The Importance of Education

Health care providers should share their knowledge and discuss with the patient the cultural perspective about the cause, symptoms and natural history of diabetes, misconceptions about diet and food preferences, attitudes about prescribed diabetes medications, myths and beliefs about insulin and their views on complimentary and alternative medicine. In this case communication between patient and health care provider is key.

The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) has created Seven Principles of Good Diabetes Care to help patients manage their diabetes and live long, full lives. They strongly encourage physicians to share these principles with their patients. They are listed on the following page.

A link to an online brochure that provides in-depth information about the principles is in our Resources section.

The NDEP has also created seven Guiding Principles for Diabetes Care for Health Care Providers. They are:

1. Identify People with Pre-Diabetes and Undiagnosed Diabetes
2. Provide Ongoing, Patient-Centered Care
3. Offer Diabetes Education
4. Treat Diabetes Comprehensively
5. Monitor Blood Glucose Control using the A1C Test
6. Prevent Long-term Diabetes Problems
7. Identify and Treat Long-term Diabetes Problems

A link to in-depth information about these principles is also included in Resources.

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