Diabetes Self-Management Education Series

Type 2 diabetes BASICS is a curriculum designed by the International Diabetes Center to deliver the basic education that adults with type 2 diabetes need to understand how to take care of their diabetes day-to-day. This series is specifically targeted to patients with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin therapy.

About the BASICS Type 2 Diabetes Care Program

This program is delivered in four sessions over the course of six months.

BASICS Session 1

(2 ½ hours)

  • Causes of diabetes
  • Goals of treatment
  • Tests used to monitor blood glucose control
  • Blood glucose testing
  • Label reading
  • Personal food plan
  • Benefits of physical activity

BASICS Session 2

(2 hours)

  • Blood glucose meter maintenance
  • Hypoglycemia & hyperglycemia
  • Effects of stress & illness
  • Sick-day management
  • Dining out strategies
  • Alcohol use

BASICS Session 3

(2 hours)

  • Trouble shooting for out-of-target glucose
  • Foot care basics
  • Cholesterol and blood pressure targets
  • Fat in the food plan
  • Reducing heart disease risk

BASICS Session 4

(1 ½ hours)

  • Problem-solving strategies
  • Diabetes and depression
  • Physical activity
  • Healthy weight loss
  • Community resources for ongoing support