What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which the body needs help turning food into energy. People with diabetes are unable to produce or use insulin, which helps cells process glucose in the body. Without adequate and efficient insulin, those sugars remain in the bloodstream, raising blood-sugar levels and leaving the body without the energy it needs.
There are two types of diabetes, and one special type:
- Type 1 — The pancreas is unable to produce insulin, and insulin must be used to regulate blood-sugar levels
- Type 2 — The body produces insulin but is unable to use it efficiently (i.e., insulin resistance). Type 2 diabetes is more common, and its management may or may not include insulin.
- Gestational — A special type of diabetes affecting pregnant women.
All types of diabetes can be controlled with meal planning, exercise and medication.
Diabetes Education and Management Center in Cape Girardeau
The Diabetes Education and Management Center at Saint Francis Medical Center helps people with diabetes effectively manage their health. The Center is staffed with certified diabetes educators who provide classes, information and support to diabetics and their families. The following classes offered at the Diabetes Education and Management Center cover everything from the diabetic diet to how to gauge normal blood sugar range.
Diabetes Self-Management Training
Diabetes Self-management Training is an educational program designed to help patients and their families successfully manage diabetes. Diabetes Self- management Training is recognized by the American Diabetes Association® for meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-management Education. Training covers the following:
- Diabetes self-management
- Preventing diabetes complications
- Monitoring blood sugar
- Medications for diabetes
- Insulin and oral agents
- Nutrition overview and carbohydrate counting
- Coping with stress
- Family involvement
- Exercise
Diabetes Self-Management training is approved by Medicare and covered by most insurance companies.
Saint Francis’s Diabetes Self-Management Training Program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association® for meeting national standards for diabetes self-management education. The program is taught by a team of professionals that includes certified diabetes educators, a registered dietitian, an exercise specialist and a licensed social worker. This team, in conjunction with an advisory board for the Diabetes Education and Management Center, works together to provide leading-edge medical knowledge to people with diabetes at any stage of life. This one-day program is offered monthly. Physician referral is required.
Carbohydrate Counting
Covers how to make healthy food choices and portion control to assist in blood glucose management. Meets twice monthly and requires a physician referral. Led by a registered dietitian.
Basic Skills Class
Two-hour refresher class taught by a registered dietitian and a certified diabetes educator. This class covers carbohydrate counting (1 hour), medications, glucose monitoring and the importance of exercise. Physician referral is required.
Gestational Class
A two-hour class taught by a registered dietitian and a certified diabetes educator. This class covers nutrition and blood glucose monitoring during your pregnancy. A physician referral is required.
Individual Appointments
Based on patient’s needs. Physician referral required.
Nutrition Services
What you eat directly impacts your health. But with nutritional information constantly changing, it is often difficult to find the most accurate, up-to-date recommendations. Saint Francis Medical Center’s Nutrition Services in Cape Girardeau offers a team of specialty-trained dietitians to help you select foods for a healthier lifestyle and meet special dietary needs. Call 573-331-5145 for more information.
All classes are scheduled through Saint Francis’s Diabetes Center. For more information, call 573-331-5897.
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