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November is national diabetes Month


In a current pharmaceutical advertisement, a spokesman, microphone in hand, roams downtown streets, asking people who have type 2 diabetes how it affects their hearts. Many of the people seem unaware that type 2 diabetes plays a role in heart disease, let alone the fact that coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in adults with diabetes. The commercial’s purpose is, of course, to promote a drug for type 2 diabetes. But it brings up an important point: Many people are simply unaware of how unmanaged diabetes can cause serious damage throughout their entire bodies.

November is National Diabetes Month, a time to reflect on ways to manage one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States, as well as on methods to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. One in 10 Americans has diabetes, and an additional 84 million adults in the United States are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Clearly, education is key to type 2 diabetes prevention and to understanding the serious ramifications of uncontrolled diabetes.

How can you explain the importance of managing diabetes to patients and clients, and how can you show those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes why they need to take action now to guard their health? Health Edco has a variety of teaching tools that are perfect for educating any audience about diabetic complications and prevention. Here are just a few:

Diabetes Consequences 3-D Display
Our new Diabetes Consequences 3-D Display uses handpainted, 3-D models, eye-catching artwork, and easy-to-read text to make one simple point: If not properly controlled, diabetes can lead to devastating complications throughout the body and, potentially, death. Simple text explains how unmanaged blood sugar levels can cause cardiovascular damage, resulting in impaired arteries, heart disease, and stroke. Additional models explain diabetic complications, such as nerve damage, foot problems, gum and bone infections, eye disease, and kidney disease. Coming in a self-contained carrying case, the display is easily portable and perfect for health fairs, classrooms, and diabetes educators’ offices. Use the display with groups or one-on-one with patients and clients as a great way to inform any audience about the importance of managing diabetes—or taking steps now to prevent developing type 2 diabetes later.

Effects of Diabetes Display
The best way to reach some audience members is to let them pick up and examine a model that shows them exactly how diabetes can damage their organs. One of our best best-selling displays, the Effects of Diabetes Display features models of eight areas commonly affected by diabetes. It includes detailed replicas of a heart, kidney, brain, eye, lower set of teeth, foot, artery, and nerves. The back of the display card uses simple terms to explain just how unmanaged diabetes damages each organ. The display is an ideal resource to help patients understand the importance of working with their healthcare professionals and practicing self-care to maintain good blood glucose levels.

Diabetic Foot Model Set
Nothing underscores the importance of diabetic foot care like our Diabetic Foot Model Set.It features two jarringly realistic models of a diabetic foot and a severe diabetic foot, both made of lifelike synthetic material. The Diabetic Foot Model depicts three ulcers in various stages and a crack under the fold of the toe. The Severe Diabetic Foot Model shows the devastating complications that can occur if blood sugar levels and diabetic foot care are not properly managed: Charcot foot deformity, severe swelling and redness, an amputated toe, and gangrene. With more than 80 percent of amputations beginning as foot ulcers, this model set is perfect for demonstrating that proper foot care is absolutely essential for people who have diabetes.

Diabetes Education Package
In addition to explaining how diabetes develops and its potential health complications, our Diabetes Education Package helps participants assess their risk for type 2 diabetes and create a personal action plan to decrease that risk. Great for health classes, corporate wellness programs, and more, the package can be tailored to fit a variety of time formats and is perfect for middle school through adult audiences. It includes a detailed, four-part facilitator’s guide, which contains a presentation script, worksheet, quizzes, and enrichment activities.

The Diabetes Education Package features four engaging components:

  • What You Should Know About Diabetes Folding Display, which uses eye-catching graphics and simple language to explain the different types of diabetes—including pre-diabetes, type 1, type 2, and gestational—as well as the risk factors, symptoms, health complications, and management measures associated with the condition


  • 50 Diabetes Booklets, which discuss the different types of diabetes, risk factors, warning signs, testing, complications, and management

  • Diabetic Foot Model, which is an excellent tool for discussing the importance of diabetic foot care and self-care

Encouraging positive lifestyle changes—such as eating a healthy diet, being physically active, and losing extra weight—is key to managing and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. For a variety engaging teaching tools that promote diabetes education and management, visit our Diabetes Section.


©2017 Health Edco®