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Diabetes Education
Diabetes Education
Are you struggling with a new diagnosis of diabetes? Or are you in need of follow-up care and up-to-date information? The diabetes team at OSF Saint James - John W. Albrecht Medical Center is here to help with all of your diabetes education needs. The team will teach you what diabetes is, how to best manage it, and easy coping strategies. We provide professional medical management in cooperation with your physician to prevent complications and insure the best care.
The Diabetes Team
Our highly skilled and dedicated team is made up of Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE) and Registered Dietitians (RD). Individual education, group classes, and support groups are some of the many services provided by the team.
Types of Diabetes
Pre-diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a condition that often comes before type 2 diabetes. Blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher than normal but are not high enough to be called diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a silent disease; you may not even know you have it. The good news is that cutting back on calories, being physically active and losing weight can reverse pre-diabetes and delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.
Type 1
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar (glucose), starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
Finding out you have diabetes is scary. But don't panic. Type 1 diabetes is serious, but people with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives.
Type 2
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy.
When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:
- Right away, your cells may be starved for energy.
- Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.
While diabetes occurs in people of all ages and races, some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.
Gestational
Gestational diabetes is insulin resistance that can occur around the 24th week of pregnancy. During that time, a woman's placenta is producing large amounts of hormones. The hormones may block the ability of insulin to work and cause temporary problems with glucose until the baby's birth. It is important to treat gestational diabetes as soon as it is discovered, so that normal glucose levels can be maintained.
Individual Diabetes Education
If your doctor orders Diabetes Education, you will usually have two initial one hour appointments. The first appointment is with a nurse Certified Diabetic Educator (CDE) followed by a registered dietitian meeting. During the initial CDE meeting, the patient will be trained to self-manage their diabetes and receive a glucose monitor. The initial dietitian appointment will cover carbohydrate counting and meal planning. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to review progress or resolve any issues. A physician referral is needed to begin appointments.
- Diabetes disease process
- Diabetes medications
- Goal setting/problem solving
- Psychological adjustment
- Physical activity
- Blood glucose (sugar) monitoring
- Hypoglycemia
- Nutrition/healthy eating
- Meal planning/carbohydrate counting
- Weight management
- Acute complications of diabetes
- Chronic complication of diabetes
- Gestational diabetes
- Continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS)
- Insulin pump training
Pre-Diabetes Class
Offered the 2nd Tuesday of each month, this class is designed for persons told they have pre-diabetes. Participants will receive a blood glucose monitor and instructions for use, carbohydrate counting education, a pedometer and tips to increase physical activity, and a workbook and hand-outs. Classes are from 4:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in conference room three of the hospital. A self-pay fee of $20 is charged for the class. To register, call 815-842-4931. If you would like to find out if you are at risk for pre-diabetes or would like more information about the class, please call 815-842-4970.
Diabetes Support Group
Led by diabetes educators, this group meets several times a year, providing an educational support system for persons with diabetes and their families. Featured guest speakers include physicians, dietitians, exercise therapists, certified life coaches, pharmacists and more. Diabetes support group meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the hospital conference room. For more information please call 815-842-4970. Diabetes support group meetings are free and open to the public.
Insurance Coverage and Fees
Diabetes appointments & education require a physician referral. Most insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid, cover diabetes education, at least in part, with pre-approval. Check with your own insurance company for coverage information.
Contact Information
- To speak with a nurse diabetes educator: 815-842-4970
- To speak with a dietitian: 815-842-4536
- Central scheduling: 815-842-4931
Education appointments require a physician referral or are self pay.
You will also find very valuable information about all these topics on the website for the American Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.org.
Our Credentials
The American Diabetes Association recognizes this education service as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education. We have been a Recognized Center since 2002.
