What is the A1C Champions® Program?

The A1C Champions® Program is a patient-led approach to diabetes education. A1C Champions® are people with diabetes who share diabetes self-management and lifestyle strategies based on extensive training and their personal experience.

What is the role of an A1C Champion?

An A1C Champion’s primary role is to facilitate empowering, interactive programs for other people with diabetes, as well as their family and friends. In these 60-minute, patient-to-patient programs, an A1C Champion talks about his or her physical, emotional and psychological experiences with diabetes. The A1C Champion shares personal insights and helpful strategies. Topics covered include:

• The A1C test and why it is important
• Effective self-management
• The importance of good blood sugar control
• How the choices you make impact your health and your life
• Planning and prioritizing diabetes management
• Determining personal motivation for making healthy choices
• Patients' responsibility in managing diabetes
• Finding resources for diabetes support

Where do A1C Champions® programs take place?

Typical meeting venues for A1C Champions® programs include diabetes support groups, physician office conference rooms, hospitals, community centers, places of worship and libraries.

How can I attend an A1C Champions® program?

To attend one of our programs, a healthcare provider or diabetes educator first needs to request to host a program in your area. Encourage your healthcare provider to schedule a session by downloading the Program Request Letter and taking it with you to your next appointment. Once your healthcare provider contacts the A1C Champions® Business Office, a program can be scheduled in your area. Your healthcare provider can then contact you to let you know about the date and time for the program.

Does it cost anything to attend an A1C Champions® program?

There is no cost to attend an A1C Champions® program. In addition, participants receive free educational materials, such as workbooks and handouts.

What qualifications must I have to become an adult A1C Champion?

Becoming an adult A1C Champion requires:

• A medical diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• An A1C of less than 7%, the ADA-recommended goal
• Using insulin for at least 3 months
• A history of successful self-management of diabetes
• Excellent communication skills
• A strong desire to help others
• Experience and a high level of comfort/confidence/ease talking in front of and/or facilitating discussions with groups
• A willingness and ability to complete at least 24 hours of self-study (which includes scheduled phone calls with a trainer and assignments to complete) in preparation for on-site training
• A willingness and ability to commit to a minimum of 1 one-hour presentation each month in the year following training and certification
• Adequate health and stamina for independent travel
• A friendly, compassionate personality
• A positive attitude
• Flexibility
• A proactive and solution-oriented outlook
• Comfortable communicating via computer and willing to use or learn basic computer skills

For Youth-Parent team qualifications, learn more here.

If you are interested in exploring the opportunity to become an A1C Champion, the first step is to find out the program requirements and how to apply. Click here for more details about the adult Champions application process. Young people and their parents interested in presenting together can learn more here. If you have any questions, please contact us or call us at 855-A1CHAMP (855-212-4267).

How do I become an adult A1C Champion?

For adults who meet the above criteria, there are several steps to complete to become an A1C Champion.

Step 1: Complete a Patient Information Sheet.

Step 2: Complete three telephone interviews.

After you submit a completed Patient Information Sheet, you will be contacted by a representative of the A1C Champions® team who may schedule the first telephone interview.

Step 3: Complete A1C Champions® training and evaluation.

If it is determined that the program is a good match for both your skills and availability, you will be asked to complete approximately 24 hours of self-study as well as two on-site training and evaluation sessions.

If you are interested in becoming a Youth-Parent Champion Team, learn more here.

What training do A1C Champions® receive?

Training for the A1C Champions® patient-to-patient education program includes:

• Facilitation skills
• A clinical overview of diabetes
• A review of the challenges associated with living with diabetes, as well as suggestions for managing and overcoming these obstacles
• Guidance on how best to share personal examples of successful diabetes self-management
• Personal development and lifestyle management
• Communication skills

How long does the training process take?

The training process from start to finish will take approximately 3-4 months. An estimated 24 hours of self-study and participation in two on-site training sessions are required to become an A1C Champion. You will receive training materials and a personal study plan approximately 6 weeks prior to the first scheduled training session. You will also have a training coach (an experienced patient presenter and trainer) who will schedule weekly calls with you throughout the self-study to review your completed assignments and answer any questions you may have about studying and preparing your presentation.

What is expected of an A1C Champion?

After completing training and certification, A1C Champions® are asked to conduct a minimum of 1 one-hour presentation each month during the next year. In some cases, A1C Champions® may be asked to make a presentation in a destination that requires travel and an overnight stay. The A1C Champions® Business Office will handle the scheduling process of the programs and will contact you on the details of your upcoming program as it approaches. They will also make all travel arrangements and will cover all related travel expenses for A1C Champions® programs.

Why should I become an A1C Champion?

The A1C Champions® Program will deepen your knowledge about diabetes and how to manage a healthier lifestyle. You will also learn how to help other patients better understand and manage their diabetes by sharing your knowledge and your personal experiences with diabetes. Also, other A1C Champions® report that they get a deep sense of fulfillment from helping others.

Will I be compensated for my time and expenses?

Once you have successfully completed the training and evaluation process and are an active A1C Champion, you will receive a speaker fee for each program you facilitate. You are not compensated for the time you spend on self-study and preparation for presentations. Travel expenses directly related to the A1C Champions® Program will either be direct billed or reimbursed according to established guidelines.

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