The following Outpatient Diabetes Programs are offered through St. John Hospital and Medical Center on a continuing basis. Below you will find an overview of the classes. For a list of specific meeting times and locations, click to view our current diabetes classes and events.
Medicare, Medicaid, and several other commercial/private insurance provide reimbursement for the education programs except "Healthy Habits." A physician's order is required for reimbursement.
Diabetes Discovery
For Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
Initial Assessment
• Length: (1 – 1.5 hours in length)
• Description: Patients meet either individually or in a small group with a registered nurse to determine patient learning needs. The assessment includes identification of the individual’s strength and vulnerabilities with regard to diabetes self care. Insulin injection teaching, meter teaching and A1c levels are done during assessment as needed. If the patient is a candidate for group learning, they are scheduled for Class 1 and 2. If the patient has special learning needs, individual sessions can be arranged with the nurses and dieticians. At the conclusion of this appointment the physician is faxed a copy of the patient’s education plan.
Diabetes Discovery Class 1
• Length: (6 hours in length, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with morning, lunch and afternoon breaks)
• Description: Facilitated by registered nurses, guest speakers often include a podiatrist, a meter representative, and a pharmacist.
• Topics: • What is Diabetes? • Coping with Diabetes • Blood Testing • Medication • High and Low Blood Sugars • Foot Care • Prevention of Complications • Current Updates in Diabetes Care • Goal Setting • Accessing Diabetes Resources
Diabetes Discovery Class 2
• Length: (4 hours in length, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm with morning break)
• Description: This class is conducted by our Registered Dieticians and includes a trip to the SJH Cardiac Rehabilitation department to meet with Diabetes exercise specialists.
• Topics: • How Food Affects Your Blood Sugar • Label Reading • Eating Out • Changing Recipes for Healthier Eating • Importance of Exercise • An Introduction to SJH Diabetes Exercise Program
Medical Nutrition Therapy Consultation
• Length: (1 - 1.5 hours)
• Description: Upon completion of group class, patients are scheduled for an individual medical nutrition therapy consultation with a dietitian and receive individualized meal plans.
Post Instruction Class
• Length: (1-2 hours)
• Description: This is a 3 month follow up class conducted by the Registered Dieticians to monitor the patient's progress with Diabetes Self Management. Free - optional cooking demonstrations after this class are planned for 2006, and will be limited to those who have completed the Diabetes Discovery Program!
While You Wait
For Adult Patients with Gestational Diabetes & Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic Patients Who Are Pregnant
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) Class
• Length: (4.0 hours in length)
• Description: Patients complete an individual health assessment form and then meet individually with a Registered Nurse and Registered Dietician to who identify their the individual’s strength and vulnerabilities with regard to their pregnancy and gestational diabetes self care. Patients are provided with a Blood Glucose Meter and Strips, and are instructed on use of the meter. Contacts can be made with various Diabetes Supply companies to ensure that patients will continue to receive testing materials. Insulin injection teaching is done if needed. A Registered Nurse and Dietician teach the remainder of Class.
• Topics: • What is Diabetes? • Different Type of Diabetes • Importance of Blood Sugar Control During Pregnancy • Role of Physician Approved Exercise • How High Blood Sugars Contribute to Risks for Mom and Baby • Diabetes Assessment Before Future Pregnancy • Monitoring Blood Sugars and Goals During Pregnancy • Nutrition Principles and Individual Meal Plan Recommendations • Insulin Teaching, Hypoglycemia Precautions.
Materials: The following materials are provided to patients: • St. John Health System “While You Wait” Diabetes and Pregnancy Book • Meal Planning Booklets • Custom Meal Plan • Insulin Starter Kits if Necessary. (Note: If the patient has special learning needs, including low English language skills learning difficulties, severe emotional distress, hearing, vision, sensory or cognitive deficits, one on one instruction can be arranged.)
Pumping For Precision
Insulin Pump Training For Adult Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin Pump Training
• Length: 3.0 hours in length (2 Sessions)
