Diabetes Education

Learn to manage your diabetes

So you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes? Diabetes can be a scary word, but there is a lot you can do to manage your condition. Don’t become a victim of your disease. Let us help you live a long and carefree life and learn how to take back control.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes, NMC Health has education and support to help you manage the disease. Contact our Diabetes Education Coordinator to take back control of your life.

Accredited by the American Diabetes Association and led by a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), NMC Health’s diabetes education program offers help for those with type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes.

The goal of diabetes education is to empower you to manage the disease yourself and reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications. We want to help you maintain your independence. Our experienced medical professionals can help you understand what diabetes is, how it’s treated, and how to live a healthy life while managing it.

If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the NMC Health Medical Center Emergency Department.

What to expect

First-time appointments last about one hour. During this time, our diabetes educator asks you questions about your habits and our life. Then, you will work together to develop a personalized plan of care involving one-on-one appointments or group classes.

You will learn about:

Diabetes and how it affects your body
Healthy eating habits
Why an A1C is important
Diabetes medications and monitoring blood glucose
How to manage your blood sugar levels
Why exercise is important to diabetes management

Diabetes Support Group

We understand your fear, confusion and frustration when it comes to managing diabetes. We’re here to empower you and answer your questions.

NMC Health offers a free diabetes support group on the second Thursday of each month. No referral necessary! The group is hosted by our diabetes educator with a new topic covered every month.

FAQs

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

There are three kinds of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Each type of diabetes has different symptoms, but those might include:

Increased thirst or hunger
Frequent urination (need to go pee)
Blurred vision

In some cases, there may not be any symptoms at all. Talk with your doctor if you think you’re at risk for diabetes.

You could also have prediabetes, which means your blood sugar is high, but not quite high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Your doctor can help you understand what lifestyle changes you might want to try to delay the onset of diabetes.

Do I need a referral for diabetes education?

Yes. The doctor managing your diabetes will need to refer you to the program. If you have any questions, you can call NMC Health at 316.804.6147.

I have my diabetes under control. Will I still benefit from diabetes education?

Yes. All patients can benefit from meeting with a certified diabetes educator. They can help you understand your medications and provide preventative measures that could improve your quality of life. Even if you only need minimal support, taking part in diabetes education can provide you with even more tools to manage your diabetes.

Does my insurance cover diabetes education?

In most cases, insurances will cover a certain number of hours of diabetes education each year. Contact your insurance provider first before setting up an appointment with our certified diabetes educator. You can also take a look at the list of NMC Health accepted insurance plans.

What if my insurance does NOT cover diabetes education?

If your insurance does not cover diabetes education and you are paying out of pocket, our partnership with MDsave could save you some money. Individual diabetes education classes are $75 with an MDsave voucher. Group diabetes education classes are $21.

Need help to manage your diabetes? NMC Health has a certified diabetes educator who can help you take back control of your life. Enroll today!