The goal of our diabetes education program is to empower patients to take control of their diabetes and improve their overall health and well-being. The program is led by Certified Diabetes Care and Education Sepcialists who help patients manage their diabetes effectively.
Education includes one-on-one counseling sessions, group classes, and workshops covering topics such as glucose monitoring, meal planning, physical activity, and stress management. We also offer follow-up support and regular assessments to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
We encourage patients to bring family members and loved ones to participate in our program. Family involvement increases success in following a self-management plan. We also offer a monthly Diabetes & Wellness Support Group. This is a free group that provides education, fellowship, and support to help you better manage your diabetes and lead a healthier lifestyle.
If you are interested in outpatient diabetes education, a referral from your primary care provider is required. Please contact them to request a referral. Our Patient Financial Counseling Services will assist with a review of your benefits. Diabetes education (DSME/T) can be a covered benefit under several insurance plans, as well as Medicare/Medicaid.
For more information, call the number below or complete the form below.
Type 1 diabetes was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes. Type 1 diabetes develops when the body's immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells, the only cells in the body that make the hormone insulin that regulates blood glucose. To survive, people with type 1 diabetes must have insulin delivered by injection or a pump. This form of diabetes usually strikes children and young adults, although disease onset can occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Risk factors for type 1 diabetes may be autoimmune, genetic, or environmental. There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes, is sometimes called non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. It usually begins as insulin resistance, a disorder in which the cells do not use insulin properly. As the need for insulin rises, the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce it. Type 2 diabetes is associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity. African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and some Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for type 2 diabetes and its complications. Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents, although still rare, is being diagnosed more frequently among Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and Asians/Pacific Islanders.
Gestational diabetes is a form of glucose intolerance diagnosed during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs more frequently among African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and American Indians. It is also more common among obese women and women with a family history of diabetes. During pregnancy, gestational diabetes requires treatment to normalize maternal blood glucose levels to avoid complications in the infant. Immediately after pregnancy, 5% to 10% of women with gestational diabetes are found to have diabetes, usually type 2. Women who have had gestational diabetes have a 40% to 60% chance of developing diabetes in the next 5-10 years.
Other types of diabetes result from specific genetic conditions (such as maturity-onset diabetes of youth), surgery, medications, infections, pancreatic disease, and other illnesses. Such types of diabetes account for 1% to 5% of all diagnosed cases.
Before developing type 2 diabetes most people will develop "prediabetes". People who have prediabetes will have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Recent research shows that some long-term damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system, may already be occurring during pre-diabetes. Do you have prediabetes or are you at risk for developing diabetes? The good news is that the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study showed that people with pre-diabetes can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and making healthy changes in their food intake. The DPP also showed that participating in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day and a 5-10% reduction in body weight resulted in a 58% reduction in diabetes.
This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of a person's overall health and fitness level, and can be used to support health goals.
Empowering patients to make informed food choices, improve their dietary habits, and achieve optimal health.
A fully funded program helping our communities’ teens live healthier, more active lifestyles.
