Diabetes Education Center
The Diabetes Education Center at St. Mary Medical Center is now an American Diabetes Association (ADA) Recognized Diabetes Self-Management Education Program in the Victor Valley Community.
Outpatient Diabetes Management Training Program
Our 12-month outpatient program includes education intended to motivate patients to practice necessary self-management behaviors. The initial seven hours of instruction include the following components:
One-Hour Individual Assessment Component
- Diabetes overview
- Effect of food, exercise and medicine on blood glucose levels
- Principles of healthy eating
- Anti-diabetic medications
- Issuance and instruction on glucose meter
- Record-keeping
- Goal setting
The core consists of six hours of group training in two three-hour sessions:
Core Session One
- Hypoglycemia/Hyperglycemia
- Monitoring and complications
- Foot exam
- Coping
- Behavior modification
Core Session Two
- Nutrition – individualized exchange meal plan
- Sick day management
- Exercise
- Traveling, skin, dental
- Review management skills
Follow-Up Sessions
There are three one-hour group follow-up sessions at three, six and 12 months. At this time, patients will be evaluated, progress will be discussed regarding behavior change and goals will be established. Labs to be drawn at St. Mary Medical Center, such as fasting blood glucose, will be available at follow-up sessions, as well as a question-and-answer session. Additional education modules include insulin instruction and individual nutrition consults and gestational consults.
For more information, call (760) 946-8170.