Diabetes Education | McLaren

Diabetes occurs when the body can't properly use or produce insulin - a hormone made in the pancreas that breaks down carbohydrates in food. Insulin brings glucose from the blood into the cells, where it is used for energy.

Once you have diabetes, you have it for life. There is no cure. The McLaren Diabetes Education Self-Management Program can help you successfully manage diabetes by controlling blood sugar through proper nutrition and exercise. A healthy lifestyle can also reduce your risk for developing diabetes.

McLaren's Diabetes Education program also offers a support group. Meetings are free and take place the second Wednesday of each month except November. Meetings are held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at G-3200 Beecher Road.

Topics covered in the Diabetes Self-Management Program include:

What is diabetes: Class participants will learn about how insulin works in the body. The signs and symptoms of diabetes and the different types of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes).

Personal care: Classes will teach the participant about all aspects of their own care such as foot care, yearly vision checks by an ophthalmologist, oral care and all other personal care items.

Self Monitoring: What level is considered a "good" blood sugar value. Which blood sugar values actually diagnose diabetes and what is an appropriate blood sugar goal for people with diabetes to set. We will also discuss the best times to test the blood sugar whether on oral medications, diet controlled or on insulin.

Other monitoring methods: The Hemoglobin A1C will be discussed in terms of what the test is and what the goals for control are.

Complications: Both short and long term complications will be reviewed. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and treatment, as well as other complications such as vision problems, kidney disease and risks of blood vessel disease.

Medications: All oral medications and insulin will be reviewed in terms of their actions, dosage and side effects. New medications on the market for diabetes will also be presented. This would include prescription and over the counter medications.

Risk factors: Identification of risk factors such as smoking, obesity, high blood fat levels and stress will be reviewed. Methods for reduction of risk factors will also be presented.

Nutritional counseling: All class participants will receive a personalized meal plan and instruction on carbohydrate counting, exchange list system and portion control. Menu planning, label reading and eating out will also be discussed.

Exercise: How to begin an exercise program will be discussed keeping in mind an individual's current fitness level.

Stress Management: Causes of stress will be identified as well as ways to manage and control stress levels.

Feelings: We encourage participants to bring a support person to help you make diabetes self-management a "routine" part of your daily life.

Learn to control your diabetes with a multi-team approach.
The certified diabetes educator will instruct you on benefits and responsibilities of self care and the components needed for good control.
Our dietitian will help you to learn to eat well, plan menus, restaurant selections and sick day meals.
The Diabetes Self-Management Team will assist you in developing an individual exercise program. You'll be able to see the benefits of exercise on blood glucose control.
The team will also help you deal with your feelings about diabetes. Develop and increase your skills in stress management.

To enroll, a written physician's request is required. For questions, or to register call:

BeechHill Centre
G-3200 Beecher Road
Flint, MI 48532
(810) 342-4110

The McLaren Diabetes Education Program is certified by the American Diabetes Association and by the Michigan Department of Community Health, ensuring you receive high quality patient education.