Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not make or properly use insulin, which is needed to convert sugar and starches into energy. Diabetes affects 20.8 million Americans, and over 6 million of these do not
know that they have the disease.

Pre-Diabetes, when blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be called Diabetes, affects 41 million Americans. Research shows that some of the long-term damage that occurs to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system, may already be happening during pre-diabetes. Research also shows that if you take action to manage your blood glucose when you have pre-diabetes, you can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes from ever developing. Left uncontrolled, diabetes can damage your organs. This can cause serious complications of the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. You can help prevent these problems by taking any medicine prescribed by your doctor, eating healthy, and taking care of your health.

Our program is here to help you manage your diabetes so you can stay as healthy as possible.

Mission
Our mission is to empower people with diabetes to develop self-management skills and achieve a healthier quality of life. Unlike some other diseases, diabetes requires you to take action. The key to controlling diabetes is to
make good decisions on a day-to-day basis. It is our job to teach you healthy habits and to support you in making these choices. Our educators are specially trained in diabetes. We will strive to understand your unique situation and help you learn and make healthy changes based on your own lifestyle. Your team of Certified Diabetes Educators will include a nurse and a registered dietitian. We will work together with your doctor to help develop a plan of care just for you. We will work with
you to create a personal meal plan to keep your blood glucose in control. We will also help you develop a schedule for monitoring your own blood glucose levels and managing your diabetes.

Training
Your training sessions may include:
- Diabetes Overview
- Meal Planning
- Exercise
- Glucose Meter Training
- Medication & Insulin Training
- Hypoglycemia
- Foot and Skin Care
- Sick Day Management
- Stress, Coping & Problem Solving
- Community Support and Resources
- Planning for Pregnancy
- Management of Gestational Diabetes

Program
Individual Sessions
These one-on-one training sessions are scheduled at your convenience and
are important for us to get to know you better. The nurse educator will
help you create a self-management plan. The dietitian will evaluate your
nutrition needs and create a personal meal plan.

Diabetes In-D.E.P.T.H. Class
Also known as Diabetes Education Program for Total Health, this class is a great opportunity to hear discussion from others with diabetes. Classes are in a 4-part series offered Thursday afternoons or Saturday mornings. We'll want to see you one-on-one for an initial visit prior to attending class. We believe that your family can be key in helping you be successful. We
encourage your spouse or family members involved in your care to come with you to your training sessions.