education classes
Self-management is confidence in the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent complications and lead a healthy life with diabetes. It is the ability to successfully manage your diabetes.People with diabetes need to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest advances in diabetes care and treatment. The knowledge and special skills required for proper management of diabetes will help you to enjoy all that life has to offer. From controlling blood sugar levels to the basics of meal planning, you can take better control of your diabetes and avoid the complications that people with diabetes often experience.
The Center for Diabetes Education has designed a series of classes for people with diabetes who need to learn how to manage their condition. These classes are convenientlyoffered on an ongoing basis.
Beginner Program
The St. Anthony Community Hospital Center for Diabetes Education's Beginner Program gives you a thorough introduction into selfmanagement of diabetes for effective glucose control. This program features goals of good management, lifestyle changes, healthcare tips, sick day management, blood sugar monitoring, blood glucose testing, and the importance of exercise in diabetes management.
intermediate class
The Intermediate Class goes beyond the basic information presented in the Beginner Program and addresses staying healthy and avoiding diabetes complications. Special focus will be on meal planning, foot and eye care, managing blood sugar patterns, medical review of diabetes and safety precautions that you need to be aware of.
advanced class
The Center's Advanced Class will help you to determine carbohydrate intake for meals and snacks as well as help you plan your meals and balance medications. Successful carbohydrate counting, meal planning, recipe modification, tips for healthy cooking and planning for dining out are also covered in this class.
refresher class
The Center's "Gaining Better Control" Refresher Class has been designed for people who have the basic skills and knowledge needed to manage their condition who could benefit from some updating and review of self-management for better control. This class is geared toward helping you avoid diabetes complications and maintaining quality of life.
All Self-Management Education Classes are taught and/or facilitated by healthcare professionals from the St. Anthony Community Hospital Center for Diabetes Education. This includes Certified Diabetes Educators who are Registered Dieticians or Registered Nurses with a wealth of experience in helping people to live well with diabetes. Private insurance and/or Medicare may cover the cost of the classes. We will be happy to work with you determining individual coverage for these classes.
proper foot care: a step in the right direction
Diabetic foot care is an integral part of managing diabetes. Prevention and treatment of lower extremity complications brought on by diabetes are important to maintaining overall good health. Our healthcare team provides patient education programs focusing on proper diabetic footcare andour Physician Referral Service (1-800-972-4023) can provide you with the name of podiatrists associated with St. nthony CommunityHospital who specialize in diabetic foot care.
taking care of your eyes
Proper eye care for peoplewith diabetes is another majorconcern. Elevated bloodsugar levels can causeretinopathy, an eye disease caused by diabetes, which can become serious, and if left untreated, may lead to blindness. Our Center for Diabetes Education healthcare professionals provide you with information on proper diabetic eye care and the importance of regular checkups. In addition, our 24 hour Physician Referral Service can provide you with the names of ophthalmologists associated with St. Anthony Community Hospital who are well experienced in detecting and treating retinopathy. Please call 1-800-972-4023 if you need to be referred to an ophthalmologist who can assist you in taking proper care of your eyes.
