“Come Learn More About Our Diabetes Education* Program”
Our Diabetes Education Program can provide education and support to help you manage this disease.
A Registered Nurse and a Registered Dietitian teach this diabetes education program. Our diabetes care team will help you learn how to eat healthily, be physically active, monitor blood sugar levels, take medication, solve problems, reduce risks for other health conditions, and cope with the emotional side of diabetes.
Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) is a collaborative and empowering process that helps you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to manage your diabetes, a complex and challenging disease. A provider referral is required to participate in the program, which most insurance and Medicare cover.
The Diabetes Self-Management and Education program (DSME) at Knox Community Hospital has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Diabetes Self-Management Education* and Support.
| STEP ONE | STEP TWO | STEP THREE |
|---|---|---|
| Request a referral from the provider who is currently managing your diabetes. After your referral, the KCH scheduler will call to set up an appointment. | Complete an in-person or phone health assessment with the Diabetes Educator. Then set a goal and make an individualized plan to help you manage your diabetes. | Attend the Diabetes core classes: Living Well with Diabetes and Eating Well with Diabetes. After the core classes you may choose other classes that you think will be beneficial. |
Benefits of our Accredited Diabetes Care and Self-Management Program:
- Gain an overall understanding of Diabetes Care and Self-Management.
- Learn to eat healthier, manage your medications, and monitor your blood sugar.
- Gain tools to set achievable weight loss goals.
- Learn ways to increase activity levels, understand diabetes, the ability to give yourself injections, and increase your ability to handle complications (vision and mobility issues, low energy, painful hands/feet).
- Learn to manage stress and emotions that can impact your diabetes.
How the program works
You will first meet with a team member to complete a health assessment and establish an individualized education plan. Our Living with Diabetes Program consists of two “core classes” (Living Well with Diabetes and Eating Well with Diabetes) that can be taken on the same day, followed by four interactive conversation map sessions you select. We aim to provide you with the information and support needed to manage your diabetes.
Diabetes Self-Management and Education program (DSME) are shown to:
- Lower A1c levels
- Prevent or reduce diabetes complications
- Improve the quality of life
- Lower your medical expenses
To attend our Diabetes Program, please request a referral from the medical provider who manages your diabetes.
Please call 740.393.9797 for additional questions or information.
Diabetes is a more manageable disease today than it has been in the past. Recent medical advances have given individuals an opportunity to gain better control of their blood sugar levels and therefore reduce their risk of complications. Knox Community Hospital has offered the Living with Diabetes program since 2002.
