The Great River Diabetes Education Program offers four-week group diabetes
classes every month. The next afternoon series will be from 3 to 5 p.m.
Mondays beginning June 22. Morning classes are from 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays
beginning July 9.
Group diabetes classes are for people newly diagnosed, making a change
in treatment, or having complications or concerns. A physician referral
for diabetes education is required.
Class topics include:
- Carbohydrate counting
- Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and weight
- Coping with chronic disease
- Developing healthy habits
- Exercise
- Managing blood sugars
- Medicines
- Monitoring and understanding blood-sugar readings
- Proper eating for diabetes
- Reducing risks for diabetes-related health problems
- Types of diabetes
Diabetes educators will assess needs for specific information and skills,
teach self-care and provide continuing help. Most insurance companies
cover the fee for the class series. A family member or friend is encouraged
to attend at no additional cost.
The American Diabetes Association has awarded the Great River Diabetes
Education Program with its Education Recognition Certificate for providing
a high-quality diabetes self-management program. Recognition assures that
education programs meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-management
Education and are an essential component of effective diabetes treatment.
The Iowa Department of Public Health also has accredited the program.
For more information or to register, please call (319) 768-4100.