The NACDD Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Collaborative has produced various diabetes self-management education resources to support people with diabetes in the Caribbean island communities.
Self-management support is key to improving NCD care in the Caribbean Island communities and healthcare systems. This support must be accessible, evidence-based, and tailored to inform individuals and their families. The Navigating the Course (NTC) of Diabetes Self-care guide is an evidence-based educational resource, that has been adapted to be culturally and linguistically relevant for patients and communities in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NTC contains many topics in diabetes self-care, prevention, and management aimed at increasing the skills and knowledge of people with diabetes and their families, such as:
Navigating the Course Guidebook
What it is:Â The NTC guidebook is intended to be used as an informational tool by people with diabetes and their families, as well as an instructional tool for the diabetes care team. There is consistency in the delivery of the message across the diabetes care team, and the self-care education messages received by patients using it as a self-guide
For whom: People with diabetes, health educators, nutritionists, and any healthcare professionals caring for people with diabetes.
How to use:Â This can be used as either a resource for those with diabetes for self-guided education or for a healthcare professional to guide discussion on how to prevent and manage diabetes, with individuals or in a group setting.
Navigating the Course Journal
What it is:Â A personal notebook, diary, or log to track self-care goals related to making good food choices, staying active, and getting support from family. It also has tips on proper self-examination of feet, blood sugar targets, and other diabetes self-care reminders.
For whom: People with diabetes.
How to use:Â In the space provided, patients can write down ideas or small action steps towards changing behaviors. Journaling is also a tool that allows individuals to monitor their own progress in diabetes care.
Diabetes Self-Care Goals and Pledge
What it is: One-page sheet with the common short- and long-term goals in diabetes care. A copy can also be found at the end of every chapter in the NTC guidebook.
For whom: People with diabetes
How to use: Use during clinic visits to assist the person with diabetes in establishing and following up short- and/or long-term goals in diabetes self-care. One copy can be given to a person with diabetes which they can take home with them, and another copy can be kept in the patientâs medical record.
Food Choice Prescription Pad
What it is: Designed like a prescription pad that has check boxes to encourage small action steps for making healthy food choices.
For whom: Healthcare professionals caring for people with diabetes.
How to use: Use during clinic visits to use this resource to guide discussion on healthy lifestyles when it comes to making good food choices. The check boxes save time during clinic visits and encourage small action steps. Use this pad in conjunction with the Be Active Prescription Pad.
Be Active Prescription Pad
What it is: Designed like a prescription pad, this has check boxes that encourage small action steps for being active.
For whom: Healthcare professionals caring for people with diabetes.
How to use: Use during clinic visits to use this resource to guide discussion on healthy lifestyles when it comes to being active. The check boxes save time during clinic visits and encourage small action steps. Use this pad in conjunction with the Food Choice Prescription Pad.
DM Record Card
What it is: A small pocket card that can be kept by patients in their wallet or purse to keep up to date information.
For whom: Patients with diabetes
How to use: In the space provided, patients can keep track of their medications, medical exams and screening results and record details from clinic visits. Patients can also write down comments or notes as reminders.