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Diabetes can be managed. It takes some lifestyle changes and support from loved ones, but it can be done. Whether you have lived with diabetes for years, or have been recently diagnosed, managing the disease is a key to staying healthy and preventing complications. The lifestyle changes needed for diabetes management may seem intimidating, but help is available. In fact, St. Joseph Medical Center has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education. The hospital offers several programs to make living with diabetes easier.
Inpatient Services
St. Joseph offers comprehensive care to patients hospitalized with diabetes in a compassionate setting. Our highly skilled nurses are experienced in providing specialized care for treating diabetes. Individualized education is also available to patients. Upon discharge, patients return home with the knowledge necessary to manage diabetes on a day-to-day basis.
Diabetes Management Course
St. Joseph offers a monthly Diabetes Management Course that teaches participants basic techniques for living with diabetes. This course is ideal for those who have been newly diagnosed or who need a refresher class. Participants are encouraged to bring family members or loved ones.
In addition to the class sessions, the Diabetes Management Course includes a one-on-one session with a dietitian and a pre-class assessment with a diabetes nurse educator. The nurse educator provides a follow-up phone call approximately three months after completing the class.
Pre-diabetes Class
St. Joseph's pre-diabetes class is a 90-minute class that provides helpful information to those at risk for diabetes. Led by a certified diabetes educator, attendees will learn what pre-diabetes is, how lifestyle changes are a defense for preventing diabetes, what lab work is important, nutritional changes, exercise for diabetes prevention and how to implement a diabetes prevention plan.
Two classes are offered each month:
3rd Wednesday of each month, 11:30a.m.-1p.m.
4th Wednesday of each month, 6:30-8 p.m.
For more information or to register for a class, call 816-943-2584 or register online here.
Support/Information Sessions
A support group of caring people who understand the challenges of living with diabetes can make all the difference. Our Diabetes Support Group is an opportunity to share and learn new information about diabetes from medical experts in the field, as well as other patients and family members who face similar concerns.
The support groups are free and open to the public. For more information about the support groups, including a meeting schedule, click here.
Individual Education
Individualized education and counseling with a professional is invaluable when you need assistance in solving the long-term challenges of living with diabetes. One-on-one educational sessions are available with registered dietitians and a certified diabetes educator and/or registered nurse. To schedule an individualized session, call 816-943-4799.
Pregnancy and Diabetes
Many women with diabetes can and do have healthy pregnancies. Having the right care each step of the way during a pregnancy with diabetes is essential for optimal health of the mother and her baby. St. Joseph provides individualized education and counseling with a diabetes nurse educator and dietitian to meet the special needs of pregnant women with diabetes. Support is offered for preconception planning, managing diabetes during pregnancy and
gestational diabetes.
For More Information
We want to help you manage your diabetes. To schedule an appointment for the Diabetes Management Course and individual educational sessions, call 816-943-4799. If you have specific questions or need further information about the course, support groups or educational sessions, call 816-943-2489.