Comprehensive Diabetes Self-Management Program

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body does not make enough insulin or the body cells have trouble using insulin resulting in high blood sugar levels. Studies point toward controlling blood sugar levels as the means of reducing the complications of diabetes. Long term positive results mean working with a team of caregivers to look at a patient's diet, exercise habits and other lifestyle factors to come up with a program that both improves the quality of life today, as well as reduce risks for the future.

The Comprehensive Diabetes Self-Management Program is designed to provide individuals and their family members the information they need to live a healthy life with diabetes. The program is taught by diabetes specialists including registered nurses, a registered dietitian, and certified diabetes educators. Each participant will receive a diabetes education manual. Participants are encouraged to bring one family member or friend with them.

Course topics

• Diabetes Overview
• Insulin and Oral Medications — how they function in the body
• Short and Long Term Complications
• Signs and Symptoms of High and Low Blood Sugar
• Stress Management
• Physical Activity — benefits and precautions
• Nutrition and Meal Planning — including carbohydrate counting
• Practice Tips for Staying on Track
• Monitoring of Diabetes Management
• Behavior Changes

When?
Two-day program taught 4 times a month

• 2 at ECM East Hospital
• 1 at Shoals Hospital

Physician Referral is required for this program.

Please call 768-9245 for more information.

Gestational Diabetes Program

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can occur when a woman is pregnant. Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. Approximately 4% of all pregnancies are complicated by gestational diabetes. 90% of these women will no longer have diabetes after the birth of the baby. However, women with gestational diabetes are at increased risk for the development of Type 2 diabetes after pregnancy if lifestyle and behavior changes are not made.

The Gestational Diabetes Program is designed to increase an expectant mother's chances of a healthy pregnancy and delivery by normalizing blood sugar levels, medical nutrition therapy and daily self-monitoring of blood glucose are the cornerstones of treatment for gestational diabetes. Every patient is different. This program is tailored to the mother's needs and is taught by diabetes specialists including registered nurses, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educators.

Course Topics

• Nutrition
• Meal Planning
• Blood Glucose Monitoring (a meter will be loaned at no charge)
• Insulin Therapy
• Exercise

Physician Referral is required for this program.

Please call 768-9245 for more information.

Diabetes Comprehensive Self-Management Classes
2001 Calendar
Tuesday and Wednesday
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.