Harrisburg is a city with many underprivileged people with low literacy levels. My organization was given a grant to help improve the A1c levels in this population. My manager had handed me this task of developing a class for the under privileged to encourage them to come once a month and learn about diabetes management. I have been a nurse for over twenty seventy years and became a diabetes nurse educator 3 years ago. I received my Certified Diabetes Educator certification this past year.
The class meets monthly for 1 hour. It was challenging at times since the participants had a low or no literacy level. It took a few months to build up trust with this group so they would pay attention to material provided. When the class first started, they had no idea about their diabetes and how to manage it. Using repetition and having them participate in the class has led them to better understanding of how to manage their Diabetes. Each class covers a different topic including medication management, food choices, social living and sometimes a fun educational game of Bingo, which allows a fun game while learning. Most of the participants have lowered their A1c level dramatically and some by half. . The group comes together and holds one another other accountable for food choices they each make, not getting their labs done or helping each other with struggles they may have with diabetes. They have turned into their own support group. The people who attend get an incentive of a $25 Wal-Mart Gift card for every three classes they attend.
Leading this small group for the past 2 years has been rewarding to me as well. Once people understand the disease process and see how it can really affect them, people will take the time to listen and take care of their health. . Provider's, unfortunately, do not have the time to spend with each patient educating them so it's up to us to do so. Starting one of these groups in your area could help just a small number of people be healthier and aware of Diabetes management. Please reach out to me for further information!
Dawn Schlegel RN, BSN, CDE
Diabetes Education
101 Washington Street
Harrisburg, PA 17061
Desk - 717-221-6262
Cell – 717- 603-0537
dschlegel@pinnaclehealth.org