Power to Prevent - National Diabetes Education Program - National ...

What are some of the Complications of Diabetes?
Ask: “Can anyone tell us why you would want to prevent diabetes? What are some of the possible health
problems, or complications, that diabetes can cause?”
Write answers on the fipchart. Be sure that the following items are mentioned:
Blindness (diabetes is the number one cause of acquired blindness in the U.S.A.)
Kidney damage (diabetes is the number one cause of kidney disease in the U.S.A.)
Nerve damage
Foot problems that can lead to amputations
Heart and blood vessel problems (diabetes is a large contributor to the number one cause of
death in the U.S.A.—heart disease and stroke)
Gum disease (or periodontal disease)
Amputations (diabetes is the number one cause of amputations in the U.S.A.)
Who is at High Risk for Diabetes?
Ask: “Can anyone tell us what puts a person at increased risk for diabetes?”
Write the risk factors on the fipchart. Be sure to list the following:
Family member wit diabetes (blood relative)
Older age (type 2 diabetes is more common as people get older). About in 0 people over age
20 years have diabetes; but for people aged 60 and older, in 5 have diabetes.
Being overweight or obese.
Sedentary lifestyle (not much physical activity).
History of diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).
Being a member of certain ethnic group: African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/
Alaska Native, and Asian American and Pacifc Islander.
OPTIONAL: Distribute the Diabetes Detection Initiative risk test in Appendix A to participants
to complete during the session or take home to fll out with family members. This risk test helps
identify who is at increased risk for diabetes.
What Can I do to Reduce My Risk?
Say: “The good news is that by making small changes in your lifestyle you can reap big rewards in
preventing diabetes. If you already have diabetes, these small changes can add up to better blood
glucose control. A national Diabetes Prevention Program study found that people at high risk for
diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of the disease by losing 5 to 7 percent of their body weight with
healthy eating and 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days per week. In other words: you don’t have to
‘knock yourself out’ to prevent diabetes. The key is that small steps can lead to big rewards.”
Give an example: By taking a small step, such as reducing the amount of soda that you drink each
day, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator to go up one foor, you can reap big rewards, such as
helping to maintain your weight or to control your blood glucose levels.
NDEP Power to Prevent Session 6