Diabetes Education
Mercer Health Can Help You Manage Your Diabetes
Our one-on-one diabetes education sessions are tailored to meet your individual needs. Taught by a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, our diabetes education program is helpful for people newly diagnosed with diabetes, people struggling to control their blood sugars, people starting or changing medication for diabetes or anyone interested in learning more.
The Program Covers:
- Testing your blood sugars
- Blood sugar goals
- Healthy eating, including how to eat your favorite foods while still keeping your blood sugars managed
- Physical activity and exercise
- Understanding your medications
- Preventing complications caused by high blood sugars
- Annual examinations to help you prevent the complications of diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes
- Pre-Pregnancy Counseling
What, Who, Why and How
- Education sessions tailored to meet your individual needs including one-on-one and small group sessions taught by a Registered Dietitian Certified in Diabetes Education.
- This program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association
- People who have recently found out that they have diabetes.
- People who have had diabetes for several years but have been unable to keep their blood sugars below 150 most of the time.
- People whose A1C is greater than 7.0%.
- People who have changed from taking pills to taking insulin or who have just started taking diabetes pills or insulin.
- Anyone interested in learning more about diabetes.
You, along with your health care team, play a vital role in managing your blood sugars. If your blood sugars have been higher than 150 for a long period of time, you are more likely to develop problems with your eyes, heart, kidneys and feet. By learning about diabetes and how you can control your blood sugars at home, you can lower your risk of most diabetes complications.
In order to become enrolled in the program, you need to have a physician referral. This referral can be obtained by contacting your doctor’s office or the staff at the Center for Healthy Weight & Wellness can contact your doctor for you. For more information, contact us at 419-678-8446.
All Sessions Are Taught By Educators Certified in Diabetes Education
A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is a healthcare professional who has demonstrated specialized knowledge in the field of diabetes education. Our CDE demonstrates a personal commitment to partnering with their clients, sharing their successes and cheering through the challenges. They demonstrate commitment, passion and caring for the services they provide.
Diabetes Supplies Through Mercer Health
If you choose to, we are able to supply you with a choice of glucometers, lancets and testing strips through the Mercer Health Durable Medical Equipment. We will file your insurance for you, so there are no upfront fees.
For more information about diabetes, visit www.diabetes.org.