Diabetes is a complex chronic condition and the health outcomes improve when people take an active role in its management (Delamater, 2006). Underpinning the ability to take an active role is health literacy which is a person’s capacity to access, understand and use information in order to make informed health decisions (ASQHC, 2014). Using case studies, this presentation will outline an approach that makes it easier for people to improve their blood glucose levels by teaching them “the how” rather than the “why”.

This action-based approach turns diabetes education “upside down” as it starts with what the person with diabetes wants to know, not what the clinician wants to tell them. The approach also starts from the “inside out” by focusing on developing an understanding of food as an energy source, rather than medication as a response to blood glucose levels.   

 The Diabetes Educator and/or dietitian works with people to develop their understanding of the types of foods they are eating, with a particular focus on carbohydrates. As a result,  the hidden carbohydrate content in  the foods they consume becomes visible and this is key  to identifying areas for change. The benefits of understanding and lowering carbohydrates are immediate as people can see the direct relationship between what they eat and the effects on blood glucose control ( Feinman et al., 2014; Hamdy, 2014). Seeing this leads to increased engagement, understanding, and motivation to learn more and take an active role.

This approach to Diabetes Education builds knowledge overtime based on the experience of what works, for whom, under what circumstances and why, for both the Diabetes Educator and the person with diabetes. This co-creation of knowledge is empowering for both parties and leads to deeper understanding, greater motivation, and confidence and ultimately better health outcomes.