Lourdes' ABC Diabetes Education Program
Knowledge is power in combating diabetes. Patients who have diabetes have to manage their own daily care, but dealing with this complex disease can seem overwhelming at times - for anyone. Though healthcare providers can set up the treatment plan, the patient must carry it out, making important decisions about diet, exercise, and medication, including insulin. Lourdes' ABC Diabetes Education Program helps patient learn to confidently handle this self-care and its related concerns.
The ABC ("Achieving Better Control") program, launched in 2009, serves:
- individuals who know they are at risk for the diabetes or concerned about their level of risk;
- patients newly diagnosed with the diabetes;
- and patients who have been coping with the disease for many years. Lourdes is contacting physicians [309K PDF]and reaching out to patients [302K PDF] to increase awareness of this program
Weight and family history are among very important factors in determining who develops the disease. Participants in a quality diabetes-education program can better understand their status and act on that knowledge, knowing that the more they invest in managing the disease the more they can take control of it..
No matter how high their risk, patients do have the chance to avoid this disease by taking the right steps. And those that have diabetes can keep it in check, bring down its severity, or sometimes put it into remission. All this, though, takes sacrifice and commitment.
Registered nurses who are certified diabetes educators lead the ABC Diabetes Education Program at Lourdes, which the American Diabetes Association has recognized. Interactive discussions help insulin-dependent and noninsulin-dependent persons with diabetes learn how to live with their condition. They learn both the essential information and more about dealing with the day-to-day requirements and the common challenges of diabetes.
Classes focus on real-life situations. The program's instructors personalize the education to participants' needs in a supportive community setting. And, the program provides diabetes education in a relaxed learning atmosphere designed to complement physician care.
Patients meet other people with diabetes, with whom they can share and offer support. In addition, the program invites attendees to bring a friend or family member who may also benefit from this education.
Topics addressed include:
- What is diabetes?
- Medication management, including insulin instruction and side effects of medication
- Blood-sugar highs and lows
- Using blood-sugar tests to monitor trends and problem solve
- What's in my food?
- Getting nutritional counseling
- Managing sick days
- Individualized meal planning
- Eating out, food labels and alcohol
- Exercise, including both aerobic and non-intensive physical activity
- Staying healthy
- Taking advantage of exercise and diet to reverse the need for medication
- Diabetes and pregnancy
- Can bariatric surgery cure diabetes?
- Stress and stress management
- Warning signs for other diabetes-related problems
- Latest treatment options
At Lourdes, the ABC Diabetes Education Program is available in Spanish language sessions as well.
The Lourdes ABC Diabetes Education Program holds classes monthly and offers daytime, evening and weekend sessions. The program sets class schedules to meet the needs of patients. Each class has about 15 participants. As the program schedules new sessions, it works to accommodate the needs of interested patients.
Note: The fee for this program is covered by most health insurance carriers.
For additional information or to register, please call the ABC Diabetes Education Program at 1-877-533-4222.
Physicians may refer patients needing diabetes education by calling the above number or by using this fax form [299K PDF]. When their patients complete a class, physicians receive a report on their patient's participation.
