Answer

Community Teaching Plan

The prevalence of gestational diabetes has become a public health problem. Studies have shown that about 2 to 10 percent of pregnant women in the U.S are affected by gestational diabetes every year (DeSisto, Kim, & Sharma, 2014). The condition often occurs during pregnancy and impacts the body’s ability to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Some of the common symptoms associated with the disease include nausea, fatigue, excess thirst, and frequent urination, just to mention a few (Ferrara, 2016). This paper discusses my teaching experience and observation during the gestational pregnancy community awareness program.  

Summary of the Teaching Plan

The gestational diabetes community awareness program is intended to educate patients and create awareness about the disease. The program covers different areas including the causes, symptoms, risk factors, effects, treatment, and proper management of the ailment (Schmittdiel, 2014). In this case, individuals will be taught how to identify the signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes. How to prevent and manage its risk factors. When to see a doctor or seek treatment. The diagnosis process of gestational diabetes including the tests, analysis, and prescriptions. What to do after the diagnosis and how to manage the disease effectively through proper nutrition, regular checkups, blood sugar monitoring, and  exercise, among other preventive measures (Ferrara, 2016). The main target group for the program are expectant mothers, patients, and the community at large. Moreover, the classes will be conducted in the community health center and each lesson will last for about 30-35 minutes.

Epidemiological Rationale for the Topic

The number of cases related to epidemiological diabetes have risen significantly over the years. Research has pointed out that in 2016, the prevalence of the disease in the U.S was approximately 6.0 percent (DeSisto et al., 2014). Similarly, about 2 to 10 percent of women are diagnosed with the ailment every year. In this regard, gestational diabetes complicates most of the pregnancies leading to negative health outcomes, additional medical expenses, and prolonged hospital stay, among other implications (Ferrara, 2016). Furthermore, majority of the women diagnosed with the medical condition tend to suffer from type-2 diabetes mellitus later in life, as well as, their children and subsequent generations in some instances. Studies have also pointed out that gestational diabetes increases the risk of fetal macrosomia, which is commonly associated with birth trauma, shoulder dystocia, and cesarean delivery (DeSisto et al., 2014). It is, therefore, important, to educate patients and the community in general on how to prevent and manage the condition effectively.

Gestational diabetes have been found to affect fatal development in many instances. However, early diagnosis and proper treatment minimizes the risk of complications. In other words, women with gestational diabetes can have normal delivery and healthy children if they are treated efficiently (Schmittdiel et al., 2014). The disease is also more likely to disappear after delivery through proper care and management. Common examples of complications that may arise if the disease is not treated on time and managed appropriately include premature birth, large birth weight which increases the chances of cesarean delivery, as well as, fetal and neonatal death (Ferrara, 2016). It is in this regard that the gestational diabetes topic has been chosen to ensure the health and wellbeing of both the mother and unborn child.

Evaluation of Teaching Experience

The teaching experience was both exciting and life changing at the same time. I got the opportunity to interact with different patients and families who were eager to learn more about gestational diabetes. Majority of the participants were literate and well educated and could, therefore, comprehend most of the information in the program without any difficulty. My most fulfilling moments were when patients could explain what they had leant practically through group discussions and demonstrations. In this regard, the participants would be divided into small groups after every lesson and given different topics for discussion after which they would be given a chance to present what they had learnt in class and ask questions, whenever, necessary. This approach made the lessons more fun and practical thus making it easier for the patients and their family members to participate effectively throughout the program.

The gestational diabetes awareness program also gave the participants an opportunity to get free medical checkups and share their personal experiences. In this regard, all expectant mothers were screened for gestational diabetes and other medical conditions that are common during pregnancy such as high blood pressure (Schmittdiel et al., 2014). Those that were found to be sick were taught how to manage the condition and limit their risk factors including lifestyle changes, proper medication, and monitoring their blood sugar levels regularly (Poolsup, Suksomboon, & Amin, 2014). Similarly, they were given an opportunity to share their personal experiences with the ailment and interact with other patients. Moreover, the participants that were not sick were enlightened on how to prevent the disease and care for their loved ones appropriately. In this case, the program presented me with a chance to utilize my knowledge and skills to help patients and families learn how to improve their maternal health and quality of life.

Community Response to Teaching

The community response to the teaching and awareness program was very positive. This is because most members in the community are concerned about their health and wellbeing, as well as, that of their offspring and future generations. Majority of the individuals are also learned and thus aware of the effects of gestational diabetes and the significance of the program. Similarly, the unwavering support of the community leaders and other health workers made it easier to mobilize the target group to participate in the awareness program. In this case, the turnout was very impressive and the attitude of the participants towards the program was motivating. In other words, they were curious and ready to learn more about gestational diabetes and effective ways to manage and prevent the disease. As a result, I am optimistic that the awareness program will improve the health outcomes and quality of life of the community in the long run, particularly, expectant women.

Areas of Strength

The community awareness teaching program had a number of strengths. First, it captured all the important topics/areas of gestational diabetes including the causes, effects, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention (Schmittdiel et al., 2014). Secondly, it was delivered in a manner that was easy to understand and implement. In this case, the participants were actively involved in the lessons through practical’s and discussion groups (Schmittdiel et al., 2014). Lastly, the program was cost effective and did, therefore, not require a lot of funds or resources to implement it and ensure its success.

Areas of Weakness

The gestational diabetes teaching awareness program also had various weaknesses. For instance, it was not customized to meet all the needs of the community. In other words, it favored only the literate and individuals that lived near the health center. As a result, those that were unable to read and write or resided far away from the health center did not benefit much from the program (Ferrara, 2016). Moreover, it was not culturally sensitive such that it did not cater for the cultural needs of all the participants. In this regard, there were no enough care providers and interpreters to help patients and families from different ethnic groups and those that did not understand English (Schmittdiel et al., 2014). The program should, therefore, be evaluated to address some of these issues and make it more efficient in the future.

 In conclusion, gestational diabetes is a medical condition that can impact negatively the health of expectant women and fetal development if not managed or treated appropriately. It often occurs during pregnancy and affects the body’s ability to produce enough insulin to regulate the blood sugar levels efficiently. As a result, it is important for women and expectant mothers to be educated about the causes, effects, risk factors, treatment, and proper management of the disease to ensure their wellbeing and improve their health outcomes. It is in the light of this context that the gestational diabetes awareness program was intended to create awareness and enlighten the community about the disease and how to mitigate its effects. It was also meant to provide the expectant mothers an opportunity to receive free medical checkups and monitor their health and that of their unborn children. However, the program needs to be evaluated to address any existing gaps and make it more effective in the future.