Author: S. A. Parker

Individuals with diabetes can benefit from additional support in managing their chronic disease that goes beyond the traditional diabetes self-management training. Community agencies such as Cooperative Extension and Area Agency on Aging can support traditional diabetes self-management training by helping people with chronic diseases such as diabetes learn to problem solve day to day issues related to their condition. Two agencies have successfully pursued grant funding to conduct programs they have developed; simultaneously offer the Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management program; and compare and evaluate results. Benefits of such collaborative efforts are that a wider audience can be reached including populations at high risk for diabetes; opportunities for funding may exist outside of the traditional medical community; and lay workers and/or allied health professionals can provide continued support to individuals who have completed diabetes self-management training. This type of innovative partnering is win/win for all involved. Diabetes educators can have a two way vehicle for referrals. Lay workers can provide a valuable community service. Non-traditional agencies can impact health care utilization and costs. Persons with diabetes can learn to be advocates in the management of their disease through problem solving and goal setting while establishing a support system in their community.

Contact: S. A. Parker (616)735-1118