Diabetes Consumer Action Group Training Manual

The Diabetes Consumer Action Group Initiative is a grassroots, empowerment model providing people with diabetes the tools they need to communicate with their health care provider, encourage consumer independence and stimulate community action to create awareness of the need and advantages of quality diabetes care within diverse community settings.

This initiative was initially developed from a grant from the California Health Care Foundation to the California Diabetes Program and funds from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.

This training manual has been designed for other organizations to train people with diabetes, who are not necessarily health care professionals, to be come community leaders and teach others with diabetes about the necessary tests and exams all people with diabetes should be receiving from the health care system. Once trained, these community leaders (Diabetes Consumer Action Group Leaders or Presenters) volunteer to coordinate and make Take Charge! presentations in their community.

The manual consists of 4 Modules and 1 Appendix. Each module has a narrative section with supporting items. Each training module takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The entire training can be completed in one 8 hour day or it can be divided into two 4-hour sessions or four 2-hour sessions, to suit the audience. Each module stands alone and can be taught independently as well.

The training manual is available in both English and Spanish and should be used with the Take Charge! Presentation and Diabetes Health Record cards which are also available for download.

For more information about partnering with the California Diabetes Program to implement a Diabetes Consumer Action Group please refer to the Contact Us page and direct your inquires peronally to the appropriate Area Health Promotion Specialist covering your area.