When starting from scratch, diabetes education can often be a daunting and overwhelming task. Diabetes coaching requires consistent education and communication. See a general flow chart with essential education points so you don’t miss a beat.

Consistent education and reinforcement of steps is necessary for persons with diabetes. It's a complicated disease, and even when someone has managed well, it's often necessary to get back to the basics.

Coaching Steps!

Step One: Review the most recent lab values and A1C test.

Step Two: Education on the overview of (Type 1 or 2) Diabetes, and any other underlying conditions.

Step Three: The importance of monitoring blood glucose levels, and how food can affect these levels.

Step Four: Education on carbohydrates, and how to consume a consistent carb diet.

Step Five: Grocery shopping for a diabetic diet, reading nutrition fact labels.

Step Six: Discuss eating out and alcohol intake with diabetes.

Step Seven: Discuss complications of unmanaged diabetes. Understanding foot care, heart health, hypertension.

Step Eight: Problem solving, how to handle hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

Helpful Resources:

Offer a plate to help with portion control:
https://ncesaffiliate.com/product/right-sized-diabetes-plate/

Understanding the exchange system (or carb content in common foods):
https://ncesaffiliate.com/product/right-sized-diabetes-plate/

Glucose wands offer a visual for clients to understand the effects of high glucose levels on the body:
https://ncesaffiliate.com/product/diabetes-glucose-wands-2-set/