THE ROLE OF PATIENT EDUCATION IN PREVENTING TYPE 2 DIABETES IN HIGH RISK INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic and metabolic disease that continues to rise in prevalence in the United States and worldwide. It is characterized by an inability for the body to respond to insulin and insome cases effectively produce insulin, thereby resulting in impaired glucose metabolism. The pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and its associated risk factors is complicated. For individuals that exhibit risk factors such as obesity, prediabetes, and history of gestational diabetes, lifestyle intervention regarding physical activity and nutrition are shown to be effective in preventing overt T2D development. Diabetes prevention programs (DPP) are supplemental to the patient education provided by clinicians. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a National Diabetes Prevention Program curriculum that is used by many local DPPs. By interviewing program coordinators of diabetes prevention programs in Tucson, Arizona, I consolidated the information using a patient education brochure that could be distributed to the public for education and awareness.