Diabetes Education
Take Control of Your Health and Live Well with Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes high blood sugar levels. It
occurs when the body doesn’t produce or properly use insulin, a
hormone that helps the body use food for energy. Without treatment, diabetes
can lead to serious health problems.
Our Diabetes Education Program helps you learn skills and attitudes for
controlling diabetes while living a flexible lifestyle. Physician referral
is needed.
Our Classes
Annual Diabetes Review
An annual diabetes review is available to people who have completed the
Diabetes Education Program. It includes individualized education and an
update on self-management skills.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Test
A tiny glucose sensor is placed under your skin for several days. The sensor
continuously measures the glucose in your tissue fluids. At the end of
the test, the sensor is removed. Graphs of your glucose levels during
the test can help you and your health care team adjust your diabetes treatment.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Medical nutrition therapy with a registered dietitian helps people improve
diabetes control with self-management skills in nutrition, physical activity
and glucose monitoring. It also may prevent or slow the development of
diabetes complications. Educational needs are determined by clients and
their physicians. Insurance coverage varies.
Diabetes Self-Management Classes
Our classes that help people minimize the impact their disease has on their
life. Our specially trained nurses and dietitians who educators will give
you specific information, teach self-care skills and provide ongoing help.
Diabetes education classes are for people who:
- Recently learned they have diabetes
- Want to learn how to manage diabetes
- Are making a change in their diabetes treatment
- Have concerns or questions about diabetes
If group classes don’t fit your needs, individual sessions can be
arranged. A relative or friend may come with you at no charge.
Class topics include:
- Being active
- Coping with diabetes
- Eating healthy
- Monitoring your blood sugar
- Reducing health risks
- Solving diabetes problems
- Using medicines
- Insulin pumps and glucose sensors
Our Diabetes Education Program holds the American Diabetes Association
Education Recognition Certificate for quality diabetes self-management
programs. Recognition assures that our education program meets the National
Standards for Diabetes Self-management Education programs.
Enroll in a Class
A physician referral is needed. Talk to your physician or health care provider
about the benefits of diabetes education.
For more information, please call (319) 768-4165.
Resources:
Diabetes Presentation - David Carlson, MD, Family Medicine