The Educated Choices Program (ECP) is proud to announce the debut of its new education package, "Unlocking Diabetes: Nutrition is the Key." In time to support several diabetes awareness observances in November, ECP has collaborated with Doctors for Nutrition (DFN) to deliver an impactful video and resources that underscore the importance of dietary choices in diabetes prevention and management. This is the second health-focused resource developed in partnership with DFN, an Australasian-based, doctor-led nonprofit dedicated to advancing whole food plant-based nutrition as a pillar of lifestyle medicine.
"There's so much more we can do to turn the tide on diabetes. Education that empowers people to harness the power of food is one of the most effective and uplifting solutions we have. Unlocking Diabetes is a powerful example of what collaboration can achieve. By joining forces with the Educated Choices Program, we're turning cutting-edge science into stories and strategies that give people real hope for preventing and managing diabetes." - Rebecca Stonor, Chief Executive Officer, Doctors for Nutrition.
"Unlocking Diabetes: Nutrition is the Key" encourages education on the types and prevalence of diabetes, as well as informed dietary decisions individuals can make to manage and even reverse type 2 diabetes. Intended for ages 12+, students and teachers can look forward to completing the following learning objectives:
- Define diabetes and identify its major types and global prevalence.
- Explain how different dietary choices, like eating foods high in unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars, versus those with whole grains and complex carbs, affect your body's blood sugar and your risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
- Demonstrate knowledge of diabetes-friendly foods by designing a meal plan that incorporates whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fibre-rich fruits and vegetables, while limiting added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats.
Diabetes continues to be a significant and rising global health issue. In 2024 alone, over 3.4 million deaths worldwide were attributed to diabetes-related conditions. An even greater cause for concern, as of 2023, nearly half of individuals living with diabetes were not aware that they had the condition. In "Unlocking Diabetes," ECP and DFN tackle the underlying causes of the condition, demystifying what it means for a person to be diabetic, as well as providing the tools to understand the nutrition that can jeopardise or protect your health.
"We are thrilled to partner with Doctors for Nutrition on the launch of our new educational package, 'Unlocking Diabetes.' Together, we are empowering students and communities with the knowledge to prevent and manage one of today's most widespread chronic conditions through informed food choices. This collaboration bridges science-based nutrition and education, advancing health literacy and helping shift the global conversation from treatment to prevention. By making credible, accessible, and practical information available to learners worldwide, we are creating a foundation for a healthier future for all." - Lorena Mucke, founder and CEO, Educated Choices Program
The "Unlocking Diabetes: Nutrition is the Key" Video and Curriculum Package includes free accompanying and follow-up resources for classrooms and community groups, including guided notes, lesson plans, activities, homework, and more, all while following Next Generation Science Standards (NGS) and supporting many global academic standards. These materials have also received the Doctor for Nutrition Seal of Approval, which was also awarded to "Healthful Eating," the younger-focused "Eat for Your Health," and "Heart Smart," the first resource developed under this new partnership.
The timely release of "Unlocking Diabetes" will ensure teachers, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and other individuals have key resources to share during upcoming awareness observances, including: Diabetes Awareness Month (November), National Diabetes Education Week (November 1-7), and World Diabetes Day (November 14). Accompanying resources also include guided activities, like diabetes-friendly meal planning, to help viewers incorporate this knowledge into their everyday lives.
"Working on 'Unlocking Diabetes' inspired me to re-examine my own habits and lifestyle. It reminded me that there are steps we can all take to reduce our diabetes risk, whether that is cutting down on sedentary time or eating more whole plant foods. This presentation aims to inspire viewers to make changes on a scale that is accessible to them." - Elise Ferguson, Curriculum Development Manager.
ECP and DFN expect to release the Spanish-narrated version of both "Heart Smart" and "Unlocking Diabetes" soon.
Watch "Unlocking Diabetes" with a free account on the Educated Choices Program Library.
