Diabetes Education
Living With Diabetes
A diabetes education program will help you learn how to live with diabetes.
What will I learn about diabetes?
There are many things to know about diabetes. You will learn about:
- Planning meals to help lower your blood sugar and manage your weight
- Exercise and being active
- The medication you may take and how it works
- How to check your blood sugar
- What to do when you are sick
- What you can do to live a healthy life
Who teaches the program?
A specially trained nurse and dietitian provide information about diabetes care. Other members of the team may include a pharmacist and/or physical therapist.
When will this program start?
Your health care provider or doctor will send a note to the diabetes team. When they receive this note, you will be called for your first appointment. If you have concerns with transportation, please talk to your diabetes educator about possible options.
Where do I go for diabetes education?
Group or individual sessions are held in Britt at Hancock County Memorial Hospital.
How many sessions are in a complete program?
The program in Britt includes individual sessions with a registered dietitian and a registered nurse. The number of sessions and length of the sessions will be tailored to fit your learning needs. Sessions are held on a one-to-one basis, but family members and significant others are welcome to attend.
What if I can’t come to one of the sessions?
You can make up the session. Ask your educator when you can make up the session you will miss.
Does insurance pay for diabetes education?
Medicare will help pay for diabetes education if you have Medicare Part B and meet certain criteria. Payment by other insurance companies will depend upon your plan. Please contact your insurance company. Ask if your policy covers “diabetes self-management training”. If you have more questions, your educator will help you get them answered. In some cases, financial assistance is available.
Is the diabetes education program certified?
Yes. The MercyOne Network program in Britt is certified by the American Diabetes Association.
*The American diabetes Association recognizes this education service as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.
Our diabetes care team is here to help.