How to explain type 2 diabetes
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
A new diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Clear, simple explanations help patients take control early and avoid complications.
Step by step
Ask what they know and fear
Find out what they have heard about diabetes and what worries them most. [1]
Explain what diabetes is
The body does not use insulin well, so sugar builds up in the blood instead of feeding the cells. [2]
Explain the A1C
A1C shows the average blood sugar over about 3 months. Many adults aim for below 7 percent, but the goal is set together. [3]
Say why control matters
High sugar over years harms the eyes, kidneys, nerves, feet, heart and blood vessels. [1]
Talk about food and activity
Fewer sugary drinks and refined carbs, more vegetables and fiber, and about 150 minutes of activity a week. [1]
Explain medicines and low sugar
Name each drug and when to take it. If a drug can cause low sugar, teach the signs and how to treat it with 15 grams of fast sugar. [4]
Plan the checks
A yearly eye exam and kidney tests, foot checks at visits and A1C every 3 to 6 months. [3]
Use teach-back
Ask the patient to explain the plan in their own words. [2]
Common errors
- Blaming the patient for the diagnosis.
- Giving too much information in one visit.
- Not teaching what to do for low blood sugar.
Typical adult diagnostic values (ADA) [3]
| Test | Prediabetes | Diabetes |
|---|---|---|
| A1C | 5.7 to 6.4% | 6.5% or higher |
| Fasting glucose | 100 to 125 mg/dL | 126 mg/dL or higher |
| 2-hour glucose (oral tolerance test) | 140 to 199 mg/dL | 200 mg/dL or higher |
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
- AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs)
- AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (Teach-Back)
- NCCPA PANCE Content Blueprint
- Open RN, Nursing Pharmacology 2e (CC BY 4.0)
Facts and steps follow AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs); AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (Teach-Back). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.