Diabetes Education

Diabetes is a complex disease, which can be managed in part by simple lifestyle choices. The Diabetes Education Center at Riddle Hospital offers programs designed to help members of the community gain better management of their diabetes and reduce their risk of complications. Our program has been recognized as having met National Standards for Patient Education in Diabetes from the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE).

Education Programs The choices that you make on a daily basis, including meal planning and exercise, can have a positive impact on your health. Studies have shown that tight blood glucose control can lower your risks of complications of diabetes in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Education in diabetes self-management skills is integral to the treatment of diabetes and in achieving optimal control.

The educational programs offered at Riddle Hospital are covered by most insurance plans with a physician prescription or referral. Pre-registration is required.

Group Instruction

• Ten hours of group education over three sessions
• Afternoon and evening programs held monthly
• Certified Diabetes Educator, Pharmacist, Podiatrist, and Exercise Physiologist teach:
  
  • physiology of diabetes
  • blood glucose monitoring
  • prevention of complications
  • medications and their effect
  • foot care
  • exercise and its benefits
    
    
• Registered Dietitian provides:
  • nutrition education
  • individualized meal plan for each participant with instruction on carbohydrate counting
  • information concerning snacks and dining out

Individual Instruction

Riddle Hospital offers individual instruction by appointment with a Certified Diabetes Educator.

• Diabetes Management
• Physiology of diabetes
• Blood glucose monitoring
• Prevention of complications
• Medications and their effect
• Instruction in insulin self-administration
• Foot care
• Exercise and its benefits
• Insulin pump management

Gestational Diabetes Instruction

• education concerning the health of mother and baby
• individualized meal plan with instruction on carbohydrate counting
• blood glucose monitoring - a free meter is provided

Registered Dietitian provides:

• nutrition education
• individualized meal plan with instruction on carbohydrate counting
• information concerning snacks and dining out

Diabetes Support Groups

Evenings

The first Wednesday of November, January, March and May
7:00 p.m.
Health Center 4, Conference Room 2 on the 2nd Floor.

Daytime

The second Tuesday of October, December, February, April and June
1:00 p.m.
Health Center 4, Conference Room 2 on the 2nd Floor.