Diabetes Education

Diabetes is a silent disease. You can have it for years and not know it. Some people with diabetes do not even notice the symptoms—being very thirsty, frequently urinating, and losing weight without trying. The Blessing Diabetes team is here to help guide you and provide the education you need to manage your diabetes so you can get back to living your life. Once you are diagnosed with diabetes, controlling your condition is critical to your overall health and quality of life.

Have You Been Diagnosed With Diabetes?  

When you are diagnosed with diabetes, it may feel like the world has stopped. You can control diabetes, and our team can help you do that.

• Convenient Access: Healthy habits and attitudes are promoted through coaching and education with registered nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and certified diabetic educators. Our program offers convenient access to providers who specialize in the treatment of diabetes.

  • We encourage family participation.

  • A provider referral is required.

  • We use a comprehensive interactive approach.

• Education: Education helps patients understand that diabetes is not just one disease. Diabetes is a "multi-symptom" chronic disease that can lead to a variety of serious conditions if not treated. Available services include:

  • Diabetes Initial and Annual Education: comprehensive education on the many aspects of diabetes care and lifestyle management; provided by a team of registered nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists with experience in diabetes care and education. Education can be provided on an individual basis if needed or in a group setting.

  • Support Group: We are ready and waiting to support you and get you involved in a fitness activity that will suit your fitness level. There is no charge or obligation.

  • Gestational Diabetes Education: Expectant mothers will learn about what their condition is, what symptoms they are having that could be related to their condition, low blood sugar, risk factors to baby and complications with delivery, risk factors for type 2 diabetes, ongoing support, blood glucose monitoring, and meal planning. Education is provided by a registered nurse and registered dietitian.

• Setting Your Health Goals: Managing diabetes is a daily commitment. Watching your weight, checking your blood sugar, and staying active are all things you can do to keep your diabetes under control. The American Diabetes Association also suggests the following goals for most people with diabetes.

  • Daily

    • Review blood sugar before meals (70-130)

    • Review blood sugar 2 hours after a meal (below 180)

  • At Every Diabetes Visit

    • Review blood sugar

    • Check blood pressure (below 130/80)

    • Review meal plan

    • Review activity level

    • Check weight

    • Discuss questions and concerns

  • At Least Every Six Months

    • Have Hemoglobin A1c tested (below 7)

  • At Least Every Year

    • Physical exam

    • Complete foot exam

    • Dilated eye exam

    • Microalbumin test (below 30)

    • Cholesterol test (total below 200; HDL above 40; LDL below 100)

    • Triglycerides (below 150)

    • Receive a flu shot

Experience the Blessing Difference: Our Diabetes Care

With our top-notch self-management program, we make it easy for newly diagnosed patients to control their blood sugar effectively. After they’re diagnosed, people come to us to master all the details involved in living well with diabetes.

Patients choose Blessing Diabetes Center because of our:

• Convenience: Our Diabetes Center staff includes a range of specialists all in one place, from diabetes educators and nurses to podiatrists and pharmacists. You spend less time and energy on travel so you can focus more on your health. Learn more about our team.

• Accredited Education Program: Our 7-week self-management program is accredited by the American Diabetes Association, which means it meets stringent guidelines that reflect the latest research. This accreditation translates into high-quality care and the most effective recommendations for patients.

• Care That Focuses on You: Our care starts with an in-depth one-on-one analysis with our nurse that assesses your strengths and challenges. From there, we come up with solutions that fit your unique lifestyle, then help you follow the plan.

• Family Focus: Support is a critical part of diabetes management. By encouraging family participation in our education program, we help everyone get on board with practical cooking tips and lifestyle recommendations that benefit the entire family.

Contact Us

To learn more about available services at the Blessing Diabetes Center or to schedule an appointment, please call (217) 223-8400, ext. 5900.