Diabetes Education Self-Management Program helps people better manage their disease

Diabetes is a serious disease affecting 29.1 million people in the United States. Successful self-management can promote wellness and prevent complications associated with diabetes.
 
HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Diabetes Self-Management Program is nationally recognized by the American Diabetes Association for meeting all the standards required for excellence in diabetes education. The program consists of an individual consultation with a Certified Diabetes Educator or Registered Dietitian and four one-hour group classes. Classes provide information and practice that assist people with diabetes to better manage their disease. Topics include:

• Diabetes disease process and treatment options

• Adjusting to daily life with diabetes

• Meal planning

• Physical activity

• Blood glucose monitoring

• Oral and injectable diabetic medications

• Possible complications

• Problem solving

Medicare and most commercial insurance carriers cover the cost of the classes. Patients should contact their insurance carrier for more information about coverage. A physician referral is required. The next series of classes is scheduled to start in January on consecutive Thursday evenings – January 10, 17, 24 and 31 – from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at HSHS St. Anthony’s Health Center, 900 West Temple Avenue, Building B.
 
For more information regarding the program or the upcoming classes, contact Adrienne Jarrell, MS, RD, CDE, HSHS St. Anthony’s Clinical Nutrition Services, at (217) 347-1346.