Diabetes Self-Management Education

According to the Centers for Disease Control website, 17.0 million people in the United States have diabetes (CDC, 2015). Diabetes is considered a chronic disease that can cause severe complications if not controlled. This can include blindness, kidney failure, amputation, and cardiovascular disease. Many of the debilitating effects of diabetes can be avoided through consistent glucose levels, regular medical care, and self-management practices. “Studies have shown that people with diabetes that attend diabetes self-management education (DSME) outpatient classes have better clinical outcomes compared to those that have not participated in these classes” (Walton, Snead, Collinsworth, & Schmidt, 2012, p. 165). The following paper will show the process of designing a community class that is four hours in length divided into weekly one hour sessions. This paper will also discuss the institution’s philosophy that will hold these classes, why there is an educational need for this population group, class description,

UFH has a shared vision and commitment to patient care excellence through continued education and patient care (UFH, 2015). As part of the University of Florida, UFH has unlimited resources in health care services and the sciences. Faculty and staff are committed to making UFH an exceptional healthcare leader in community service, patient care, teaching, and research. With UFH’s hands on approach, people can improve their quality of life through education and innovative technology. The UFH’s philosophy is the power of togetherness (UFH, 2015). When developing this course, UFH many resources within the community will be able to assist in this process. Facilities that embrace lifelong learning have better outcomes for their clients (Neidorf, 2012). As a teaching hospital, there are more avenues available that will have a positive impact in the development of this educational