"Diabetes educators are healthcare professionals who focus on helping people with and at risk for diabetes and related conditions achieve behavior change goals which, in turn, lead to better clinical outcomes and improved health status.  Diabetes educators apply in-depth knowledge and skills in the biological and social sciences, communication, counseling, and education to provide self-management education/self-management training."

                                                    Source: American Association of Diabetes Educators
                                                                                                   Revised Definition
                                                                                                   February 2008

Many diabetes educators have also earned the "Certified Diabetes Educator" (CDE) credential, which requires considerable experience and passage of a rigorous national exam.

How Can A Diabetes Educator Help You?

Think of a Diabetes Educator as a personal coach.  The Educator’s goal is to make sure you know
what to do to stay healthy. Diabetes educators realize that diabetes is a very personal disease.  By
getting to know you as an individual, they can work with you to create a self-management plan that
meets your needs. Your personalized plan will be based on your age, school or work schedule, as well
as your daily activities, family demands, eating habits, and health problems.  Diabetes Educators use
a team approach by working with you, your doctor and other health care specialists involved in your
diabetes care.

Diabetes Educators focus on seven key behaviors that promote successful self-management. These
behaviors have been identified by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) and are
called The AADE7™ Self-Care Behaviors. 

The AADE7™ Self-Care Behaviors are:
• Healthy eating
• Being active
• Monitoring
• Taking medication
• Problem solving
• Healthy coping
• Reducing risks

Click here for more information on The AADE7™ Self-Care Behaviors.
http://www.diabeteseducator.org/ProfessionalResources/AADE7/