WELCOME TO
Educating Partners In Care
We are glad you have chosen to learn more about EPIC, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Diabetes Self-Management Education Program.
The purpose of EPIC is to help you learn about type 2 diabetes and develop skills to control your blood sugar. These include skills in home management and clinical management. Since diabetes affects several body systems, you will need to learn about the tests that show if damage has occurred.
There are several members of the health care team to get to know and with whom to work. When you learn to control your diabetes enough to be a confident member of your diabetes team, you can prevent the serious problems known to occur with long term uncontrolled diabetes.
This program consists of 3 individual sessions and 2 group classes. A program outline is provided below. During these educational visits, your clinical tests will be also be done. The results will be given to you to include in your health goals and plans.
You and your family are fortunate to have this opportunity to learn how to participate in your diabetes care. We hope you will see it as a challenge and realize the rewards of becoming and staying healthy.
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INTRODUCTION
The reason so many people have diabetes today may be related to the way many Americans live their daily lives. Eating foods high in fat and sugar and being less active increases the chances of getting diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes, the kind of diabetes that most American Indians have, is passed down through families. Since you have been diagnosed with diabetes, this means your family has a higher risk for developing diabetes. You can make a difference in how diabetes affects you and your family. The changes you make may influence family members and friends to make changes that may prevent them and future generations from having diabetes.
When you first hear you have diabetes, it can sound like a “scary” message. After all diabetes is a serious disease. The “good” message about diabetes is that you can lower your risks for getting the problems that can come from long term uncontrolled diabetes. You can make some new choices that become a part of your daily life. These choices will make a difference in your level of energy and feeling of well being.
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| EPIC - PROGRAM OUTLINE |
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INTRODUCTION
Enrollment
“Welcome”
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· Enroll in the EPIC Program · Complete the “Choosing Good Foods” list · Complete the Exercise Level questionnaire · Complete the Personal Information sheet. · Complete the Diabetes Knowledge questionnaire · Receive the introduction folder · Schedule an appointment for Session 1 |
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SESSION ONE
What is Diabetes?
“Staying Well” |
· Participate in a 3-hour group session with the Diabetes Educator · Get blood drawn for lab tests and get an EKG · Review “Choosing Good Foods” list and “Exercise Levels” · Receive “EPIC-Educating Partners In Care” workbook · Receive education: “What is Diabetes” · Receive instructions on how to fill out Assessment Forms · Learn how to get diabetes care at your clinic · Learn to test your blood sugar and log your results · Plan to use your tests to learn the effects of your food on blood sugar · Make appointments in yearly clinic for initial exams & Session 2 |
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SESSION TWO
Assessment/ “Finding My Path To Health” |
· Participate in an individual visit with the Diabetes Educator · Discuss what you learned from testing your blood sugar · Review your completed assessment forms from Session One · Complete the lesson contents for Session Two · Make your diabetes self care plan |
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SESSION THREE
Nutrition & Exercise “Gathering Strength” |
· Participate in an individual visit with the Diabetes Dietitian · Review your blood sugar testing log and food diary · Identify abnormal test results · Complete the lesson contents of Session Three · Update your diabetes self care plan |
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SESSION FOUR
The Diabetes Team
“Practicing Self-Management” |
· Participate in a 6-hour group class with the diabetes team · Discuss diabetes care with other participants in the program · Learn what each team member does for your diabetes care · Learn about each complication, how to prevent and manage it · Practice skills for diabetes self care · Update your diabetes self care plan |
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SESSION FIVE
Evaluation “Looking Back – Looking Forward” |
· Participate in an individual visit with the Diabetes Educator · Review what you have learned · Get a report on your health status & complication risks · Start your “Partners in Diabetes Care” log book · Update your diabetes self care plan
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