Objective: To learn about the practical implications of diabetes and how a diabetic must change their diet to best manage their diabetes.
Interview someone who is either a Type I or Type II diabetic or answer these questions yourself if you are a diabetic. You must also risk stratify this individual for Cardiovascular Disease (i.e. what other risk factors do they have, if any). After having spoken with your diabetic, what are some ways you think they could better manage their diabetes and what are some recommendations you could give that person (diet; exercise)? Write a summary of your interview, along with the recommendations you feel would help them manage their diabetes and any other risk factors they may have. This needs to be typed and double spaced.
Questions to ask when interviewing your Diabetic:
1. How did you first find out you have diabetes?
2. What type of diabetes do you have?
a. If Type 1 do you have a insulin pump or do you take insulin shots?
b. Did you get to choose if you got to use the pump or do insulin shots?
3. What symptoms, if any, did you experience before you were diagnosed?
4. What symptoms, if any, do you currently experience?
5. Do you notice when you blood sugar drops too low or gets too high?
a. What plan of action do you take if too low or too high? Are there any restrictions?
6. What do you have to do to control your diabetes (insulin, other medications such as metformin, exercise, diet)? Include all of these in your answers.
a. Are there any tests you need done regularly that help determine if your diabetes is well controlled? (example: blood sugar checks or A1C checked)?
b. How many meals a day do you typically consume?
c. Do you feel that your diabetes is “well controlled”?
d. Do you exercise regularly? If so how often/how much?
7. How often are you supposed to check your blood sugar at home?
a. Do you and if not, why do you not check it like you are supposed to?
8. How costly is your medication; do you have insurance that covers this?
9. How else does diabetes affect your day-to-day life? What is the hardest part about living with diabetes?
a. Do you have to “curb” any cravings of foods that might not be nutrient dense?
b. Are you able to eat the occasional candy bar?
10. In order to best manage your diabetes have you had to make lifestyle changes and if so what types of lifestyle changes did you need to make and was it easy or difficult for you?
11. Do you have another disease/condition that may affect your diabetes?
12. What education have you received to help manage your diabetes?
a. Have you had a dietary consult?
13. Have you ever been hospitalized as a result of your diabetes?
14. What recommendations would you provide to your diabetic after interviewing them. Think in regards to maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet.
15. Does the person with diabetes have any of the following below? Do they take medications for any of the following?
Hypertension (high blood pressure)?
Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)?
Obesity (considered overweight)?
Sedentary (Lack of regular exercise)?
Family history of heart disease or diabetes?
Are they a smoker? If so have they considered quitting?