Outpatient classes are taught by a certified diabetes educator and a registered dietitian. education is provided in individual or group sessions and covers such topics as:

• Diabetes disease process
• Nutrition (meal planning, eating out and reading food labels)
• Exercise
• Medications - pills and insulin
• Blood glucose monitoring
• Preventing, detecting and treating complications
• Stress management
• Foot and eye care
• Diabetes and pregnancy

The program involves seven-hours of instruction and one follow-up appointment. In addition, educators monitor the condition of patients with phone calls for one year. Approved by Medicare and covered by most private insurance carriers, the program requires a physician’s referral.

Individuals who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and those who are having difficulties managing the disease are encouraged to attend. Group classes and individual consultations are available. For more information on Recognized education programs in your area or other American Diabetes Association programs, contact the Diabetes Center at: (580) 363-9308 or contact the ADA online at www.diabetes.org.