Diabetes Education

Diabetes Management Services

Diabetes is a complex disease—but there's a lot you can do to keep the consequences of diabetes at bay. If you're not sure how to develop a diabetes self-management program that's right for you, our Diabetes Education Program can help you create one. Here, you'll develop the skills you need to control your diabetes.

What You Can Expect From Diabetes Education

Our program can help, whether you have type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or gestational diabetes. But you'll need a physician's referral to enroll.

During your first visit, you will meet individually with one of our diabetes educators. If you're newly diagnosed with diabetes, your diabetes educator will show you how to check your blood sugar at home and review your target numbers. You'll discuss diabetes symptoms and complications. You may work on a treatment plan.

Diabetes self-management education isn't only helpful right after diagnosis. Many people find it beneficial throughout their lives —when your treatment changes, for example, or when you have concerns about your glucose control.

If you're not newly diagnosed with diabetes, your diabetes educator will want to know your history with the disease. You'll talk about your current treatment plan and how well it's working for you. You'll also discuss your goals. For example, do you want to lose weight? Do you need help with meal planning or finding an exercise program you enjoy? Our team can help you with all of these tasks.

The Seven Keys to Diabetes Self-Management

Diabetes education focuses on seven key areas of self-management:

• Being active
• Healthy coping
• Healthy eating
• Monitoring your blood sugar levels
• Problem solving
• Reducing risks and complications
• Taking medication

Your one-on-one discussions with your diabetes educator may help you learn these vital lessons. But we also offer other learning formats. For example, we offer classes that provide current and comprehensive information that adheres to the standards of the American Diabetes Association.

Find Out More

How often you meet with your diabetes educator depends on your needs, your doctor's preferences, and your insurance. Diabetes education is covered by most health plans. The number of visits covered per year can vary, so check with your insurance.

For more information, call one of our diabetes educators:

• Shannon VanHouse, BA, RN, CWOCN, CDE
  315.713.5116
• Michele Catlin, DCCC, Diabetes Program Specialist
  315.713.5251