Balanced Living with Diabetes

Originating University: Virginia Tech / Virginia Cooperative Extension

A set of educational materials that can be incorporated into diabetes lifestyle
management programs and diabetes support programs that are offered by
Extension across the United States. Materials were developed for the Virginia
Cooperative Extension Balanced Living with Diabetes (BLD) program.

If you choose to adopt an EXCITE program, we encourage you to connect with your regional EXCITE Health Agent to support the implementation, reporting, and evaluation process so we can collectively demonstrate program impact to stakeholders. Find your regional health agent contact here: https://excite.extension.org/about/#toggle-id-1

[Download Materials] 

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Curriculum Overview Webinar

• Watch a short session introducing this curriculum, including how it was developed, what materials are included, and how Extension professionals can adopt and integrate the materials in their own diabetes programming.
  ▶ Watch the recording

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Learning Objectives

1. Explain the importance of immunization for people living with diabetes.
2. Identify the seven vaccines recommended for people living with diabetes.
3. Discuss immunization with healthcare providers.

What’s Included

• Slides: 4 PowerPoint slides.
• Handouts: 7 Extension publications (one per vaccine recommended for adults with diabetes).
• Flyers: 3 American Diabetes Association flyers.
• Online module: ~20‑minute asynchronous lesson for participants.

How It Works (Delivery Methods)

• Educational presentation / discussion using slides and handouts.
• Publications sent electronically or by mail (one per recommended vaccine).
• Optional online module to reinforce key points.

Training / Certification

Educators are encouraged (not required) to complete the asynchronous participant module to familiarize themselves with the content and messaging approach.

Evaluation Plan

Questionnaires at:

• First diabetes program session,
• Final program session (6 weeks), and
• Follow‑up “reunion” session (8 weeks post‑program).

Expected Outcomes

Participants will:

• Increase trust in vaccines.
• Increase motivation to stay up‑to‑date on vaccinations.
• Report discussing immunization with a healthcare provider.
• Report being up‑to‑date on recommended vaccines.

Related Assets

Virginia Cooperative Extension also offers an asynchronous Vaccine Ambassador training module for Extension professionals and volunteers.

Adopt This Curriculum

• [Download Materials] – slides, flyers, evaluation