Working with Classroom Teachers to Promote Diabetes Awareness 

Marilyn Porter, RD, CDE

 

 

Previous articles in this series have addressed several aspects of type 2 diabetes in children: the need for increased awareness; screening recommendations; and effective ways to teach children.  This article highlights a model from Michigan in which health educators (CDEs and school nurses) combine efforts with classroom teachers to promote diabetes awareness and type 2 diabetes prevention within the school setting.   

     Introduction:  The Southern Michigan Diabetes Outreach Network (SODON) is one of six Diabetes Outreach Networks (DONs) in the state collectively called the Michigan Diabetes Outreach Networks (MDON) whose purpose is “to create innovative partnerships to strengthen diabetes prevention, detection and treatment throughout Michigan.” 

     Getting Started:  Realizing a need for educating children, the Southern Michigan Diabetes Outreach Network (SODON) began by identifying resources that might facilitate the goals to increase type 2 diabetes awareness and improve lifestyle choices.  Initially, a continued partnership with the local district health department and adolescent health director opened the door to classroom teaching.  Based on the success of the initial program, a campaign was begun to include additional schools.  

Since the SODON region includes ten counties in Michigan, it was decided that letters would be composed to principals of all public schools, middle through high school grades levels, within SODON’s service area.  The letters served to introduce SODON to the schools, explain how SODON might help them, and why it is so important to utilize the services provided by SODON.  This process produced a flurry of responses from teachers inquiring about the details of SODON’s program and requests for SODON educators to make classroom presentations. 

Meanwhile, organizations such as the Michigan Diabetes Outreach Network (MDON), as well as SODON partner agencies, promoted the program by establishing a network of human and other resources to expedite the message statewide.  

The outreach effort resulted in significant outcomes.  During a two year period, students interactively learned about diabetes and its prevention by participating in age appropriate activities, incorporating all major learning styles in a traditional classroom environment.  

     Program Content:  The core information disseminated by the CDEs to the students, regardless of grade level, is similar.  Differences occur in the depth of the information, the manner by which it is explained, and the activities, suitable to the varied ages of the children.  All students are taught the two main types of diabetes, and how they are similar and different.   

Experience suggests that approximately 90-95 percent of the class has been touched by diabetes, usually because a relative has the disease.  Because many students have encountered diabetes but have obtained some misinformation, it is necessary to explain how diabetes is acquired.  Some children actually believe diabetes is contagious!  Who can get it, which addresses risk factors, is followed by the signs and symptoms of diabetes.  When teaching this portion of the program, educators proceed with caution so as not to alarm students.   

The goal is to minimize self diagnosis based on perceived symptoms!  For the same concerns, SODON elected not to mention complications.  The vast majority of time is spent on preventing type 2 diabetes by focusing on healthy choices and behaviors.  For the nutrition portion, SODON’s model incorporates games, quizzes, and visual aids to teach the food guide pyramid, portions, variety, fast food, and meal/snack choices.   

The remaining part of the equation relates to the importance of activity.  A brochure created specifically for this purpose defines the benefits of activity, recommendations, types of activity, and suggestions for one, two, or a bunch to do.  A desk-side physical activity follows. 

Commitment:  An integral part of determining the value of the model is an evaluation.  SODON developed a commitment or contract between each student and him/herself to evaluate outcomes.  Every student is asked to make one nutrition related, and one activity related goal.  They are guided through this process by the CDE and their regular classroom teacher.  Options are suggested to encourage meaningful and measurable goals.   

Follow-up is initiated by the CDE after one month.  Some teachers elect to allow extra credit to students for goal achievement.  Current data indicates a 51 percent student goal achievement success rate after a one month follow-up.  Additionally, at the end of the class session, students are given a brief post test and are required to complete an evaluation of the program which helps to determine their level of satisfaction and suggestions for future presentations. 

Conclusions:  The SODON model is a proven effective way to increase diabetes awareness in children while advocating for healthy lifestyles.  A curriculum is being developed to enhance teaching programs, methods, tools, and individuals seeking to promote diabetes awareness by educating children.  For more information contact SODON, (517) 279-2267 or Ms Porter at portermb@charter.net  

Marilyn Porter, RD, CDE, received her dietitian’s degree from Western Michigan University, and will be getting her MS in Human Services from Capella University this summer. She is currently Diabetes Educator at Southern Michigan Diabetes Outreach Network (SODON), and develops written diabetes educational materials and resources for SODON’s ten county service area. She is a recognized national speaker, and presented at the American Association of Diabetes Educators Annual Conference, 2001.             

Printer Friendly Version 

View Archives