Diabetes Management

Did you know that nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes? An additional 79 million Americans are at high risk for type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that can cause you to become fatigued, feel extreme hunger, and experience other more serious problems over time. If you do not manage this disease, you could develop more serious complications like vision problems, dementia, and kidney issues. Insulin resistance, obesity, and other conditions that predispose to diabetes are becoming more common in our society. But healthful lifestyles, knowledgeable treatment, vigilant ongoing care, and follow-up can help reverse risk factors and early signs of diabetes. Diabetes can affect everyone, if left untreated, it is deadly.

Kim Gamm, RN BSN CDCES (Certified Diabetes Care Education Specialist) can help you learn how to use diabetes management methods to decrease your chances of developing diabetes-related complications. There are two ways she can assist you in your management goals; through one-on-one counseling or by joining in on the support groups.

Diabetes Counseling Program

The sessions are perfect if you are new to diabetes and have lots of questions. It’s also great even if you have had diabetes for years. There is always new information to learn. The group setting allows you to share with and learn from others just like you!

Class Topics: What is Diabetes, Blood Sugar Monitoring, Setting Goals, Diabetes Medications, Meal Planning, Physical Activity, High & Low Blood Sugar, Long–Term Complications, Sick Days, Stress Management, and Behavior Changes. Classes are offered in a group setting or individually with a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). Medicare and most private insurance companies cover this service. Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card to see if diabetes education is covered or contact us to help.

How to Sign Up: Contact our office to sign up or talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about getting enrolled.

Diabetes Support Group

This group meets twice a month in two different locations:

• 1st Wednesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the cafeteria of Pike County Memorial Hospital.
• 4th Monday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in our Community Conference Room (side entrance).

Join us, bring a friend or family member, everyone is welcome to attend! We offer free educational support, and we have speakers who are experts on diabetes.

Locations and dates are subject to change, stay up to date by following our events on facebook!

The Pike County Diabetes Counseling Program has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education*.

Diabetes can affect everyone, if left untreated, it is deadly. Find out more at www.diabetes.org