St. Joseph’s Medical Center provides diabetes self-management training for people of all ages who are trying to cope with diabetes. People in all stages of diabetes, from newly diagnosed to those with long-standing; diabetes, are welcome. Since 1999, St. Joseph’s Diabetes Resource Program has earned and maintained recognition from the American Diabetes Association for meeting national diabetes education standards.

• Type 2 Diabetes BASICS
  A series of learning sessions for people who are not taking insulin or other injected medications. Taught by a nurse/dietitian team.



• Insulin BASICS
  A program series designed for adults who will be starting to use insulin. Patients are seen by a nurse and dietitian in a one-on-one setting.



• Kids and Teens Care
  Comprehensive diabetes training includes injections, use of insulin, nutrition, insulin pumps, and more for children and teens who are newly diagnosed or striving to improve their diabetes control.



• Adults Using Insulin and Injectable Medications
  Diabetes training designed to assist patients desiring improved control and/or increased flexibility in their diabetes care regimens. Insulin pump initiation and training is available. Patients are seen by a nurse and dietitian team in a one-on-one setting.



• Gestational Diabetes BASICS
  Women diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy are seen by a registered dietitian in a one-on-one setting. Topics covered include healthy eating and blood sugar monitoring. Helping you have a healthy baby is our goal.



• Refresher Classes
  Yearly review classes are held on a rotating basis. Courses available may include Diabetes Overview; Neuropathy; Exercise; Nutrition, or others. Patients who have completed previous diabetes self-management training are encouraged to attend the refresher courses.

Education topics covered in the Diabetes Resource Program, depending on patient needs, may include:

• Healthy eating
• Physical activity
• Glucose monitoring
• Medication use (oral medications, insulin, other injected medications)
• Problem identification and management
• Coping/stress management
• Risk reduction (stop smoking, etc.)

A physician’s referral is needed to receive education through the Diabetes Resource Program. St. Joseph’s Central Scheduling department can help schedule appointments. Insurance payment for services is available through Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurers.