Diabetes Management and Prevention

What is Diabetes?

It is estimated that 29.1 million people have diabetes, a disease in which your blood glucose or sugar level is too high. Diabetes can cause damage to your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and can also cause heart disease and strokes. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center offers to help people with diabetes work to take steps to control the disease and lower their risk of complications.

Change the Life You Live: Diabetes

Memorial Hospital offers a wide variety of classes to help those with diabetes whether newly diagnosed or living with diabetes for years. The classes are facilitated by certified diabetes educators. Participants will learn how to control their diabetes using medication, self-monitoring, nutrition, and physical activity. Participants are encouraged to bring a spouse, friend, or family member.

Classes offered include:

• Diabetes Pathways – Baseline classes for both newly diagnosed and those never previously educated on diabetes
• Diabetes Workshop – Get Energized- Refresher two hour class for those who have had previous education
• Personalized Curriculum – Available following Diabetes Pathways or Workshop. The classes include: Advanced Meal Planning, Carb Counting, and Pattern Management

Classes are offered on a continual basis. Pre-registration is required by calling 812-996-0521. Classes are held in the Medical Arts Building, Suite 102 (lower level).

Your Health and Diabetes Support Group

Individuals and families need to understand as much as possible about diabetes. This support group provides knowledge to help participants better manage diabetes and avoid hospitalization for diabetes related issues. This program is free of charge and meets monthly on the third Monday of each month from 6:00 – 7:00PM. No program is offered in December. Pre-registration is not required and the support group is held in the Mary Potter Meeting Room located inside of the hospital.

Diabetes Prevention Program

The Diabetes Prevention Program consists of 16 weekly sessions followed by monthly sessions and follows the Centers for Disease Control guidelines for diabetes prevention. The program provides support for a year in order to make lifestyle changes and includes goals for weight loss and physical activity.

Pre-registration is required by calling Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center’s Diabetes Management and Prevention Services at 812-996-0521.