Diabetes Care
Learn How to Live Comfortably with Diabetes
Diabetes management can be complex. Your physician may have prescribed several medications, asked you to check your blood glucose levels with a meter and encouraged you to change your lifestyle habits. You may have been given conflicting advice from others about food choices and how to care for yourself. Where do you start? How do you know what is best? Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for several years, various aspects of your care can become overwhelming.
Methodist Health diabetes self-management education (DSME) allows you to acquire the knowledge and skills you need to live with diabetes. Our diabetes education team can help you and your family understand the components of your daily care. Diabetes educators specialize in the day-to-day management of diabetes.
Through our program, patients can:
- Learn how medications work
- Get help making lifestyle changes they can live with
- Learn what the numbers from various measurements mean
- Ultimately live their lives while optimally managing diabetes
Our program has been officially recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for meeting national standards in diabetes education.
Getting Started
To get started in the program, you will need a referral from your physician. Once the referral is made, a team member will call you to schedule your first visit. We can help you to obtain an order if necessary. Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes before your appointment time to check-in. You will need to bring a copy of your insurance card, a picture ID and a current list of medications.
Customized Program
The program begins with a one-hour visit with a diabetes educator to get to know you. During this visit, we will answer your questions and review your diabetes history to determine how to assist you in meeting your goals. You can bring a family member or support person with you. Also, please bring a list of medications you are taking, your glucose meter if you have one and a record of what you have been eating and drinking for the last three days. This will help us tailor a plan to meet your individual needs and schedule you for appropriate classes. We offer group classes and one-on-one instruction when indicated.
Group Classes
Program participants can attend evening or daytime classes that are offered several times each month. We teach according to the American Association of Diabetes Educators guidelines. This framework, known as AADE 7 Self-Care Behaviors™, is essential for successful and effective diabetes self -management.
The seven diabetes self-care behaviors are:
- Healthy Eating
- Being Active
- Monitoring
- Taking medications
- Problem Solving
- Reducing Risks
- Healthy Coping
At the conclusion of class, one of the educators will work with you on setting goals to help you manage your diabetes.
Dietitian Services
Our Registered Dietitian provides individual dietary consultations for inpatients and outpatients. Your physician must write a prescription order before a consultation can be given. Charges will apply. Please check with your insurance company regarding payment for these services. To schedule an appointment with the dietitian call 270-389-5076.
After the Class
Our educators are here Monday through Friday to answer any questions you may have. A follow-up visit and lab work to check how you are managing your blood glucose will be scheduled for approximately three months after you complete your classes. An educator will meet with you to discuss your progress toward your goals and address any questions and concerns. Additional follow-up appointments may be scheduled as needed. We will communicate with your physician about your plan of care, your progress, and your concerns.
