When faced with a diabetes diagnosis, learning self-management is essential to proper maintenance.
Diabetes mismanagement can lead to serious complications-even death-but efforts can be made to control symptoms, significantly lowering the risk of complications developing.
But the question remains-how?
"Being told you have diabetes can be overwhelming like any other diagnosis, and that's perfectly normal," said Dawn Dahl, RD, lead dietitian with the Outpatient Nutritional Counseling & Diabetes Center at McLaren Macomb. "We're here to steer those patients through any confusion and set them up for successful, healthy management, beyond simply monitoring their glucose levels."
Staffed by certified diabetes educators-registered nurses and dietitians-the center offers a range of programs recognized by the American Diabetes Association and Michigan Department of Community Health.
Diabetes Self-Management Program Topics include understanding the best times to test your blood sugar and take your medications, lessons on taking insulin, using a glucometer, weight management and eating and cooking right.
Medical Nutrition Therapy Dietitians will help patients make wise food choices to impact how well they feel, lose weight and lower their risk of diabetic conditions.
Support Groups No need to go through it alone, as there is always more to be learned with free groups held quarterly.
"We're here for the patients," Dahl said, "making sure they're confident before leaving our office."
Beyond diabetes, the center is available to help all patients who might be aided by nutritional counseling.
Appointments are covered by most insurances. A recent diagnosis is not required to meet with the professionals at the Outpatient Nutritional Counseling & Diabetes Center. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (586) 493-8500.
Join us!
Diabetes Support Group - Together, we will talk about small changes we can do in many different areas of our lives to improve our overall health. 6 p.m. in Classroom 1 at McLaren Macomb (lower level, east tower). No registration required.