At Saint Francis Medical Center, we are committed to helping people with diabetes improve their quality of life. That means doing all we can to make sure you know the basics about diabetes and what you can do to control it.

Diabetes Education Classes
If you have Type 1 or Type 2  diabetes, the Taking Control of Your Diabetes class can help you learn the basics about what diabetes is and what can be done to manage it.

You will also learn how lifestyle changes can prevent serious health problems and complications of diabetes including problems with your circulation, eyes, kidneys and feet.

Group and Individual Education
Our classes are designed for both those who have been recently diagnosed as well as those who have been living with diabetes and need a better understanding of the disease.

We encourage you to bring a friend or family member along as your guest at no additional cost.

Classroom topics include:

• Diabetes basics
• Feelings and emotions associated with diabetes
• Medications used to treat diabetes
• Dietary management of diabetes
• Recognition and treatment of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Importance of exercise
• Monitoring and reporting of blood sugar levels
• Long-term complications of diabetes and how to reduce your risk
• Personal goals for optimal diabetes management
• How do I sign up for the class?

How to Sign Up
First, you should talk with your physician to see if you would benefit from diabetes education. If so, your physician will send us a referral and we will contact you to schedule an appointment to talk about the class.

Call (308) 398-5565 for class dates and locations.

Please contact your insurance provider about reimbursement prior to the meeting. We work with all insurance companies. The class is usually covered by Medicare.

Diabetes Support Group
Saint Francis facilitates a diabetes support group. For meeting times and locations, call (308) 398-5565.

Other educational opportunities

Saint Francis offers one-on-one education with nurses and dietician for those with diabetes, including gestational diabetes.

The education may include training on meters, blood glucose monitoring, insulin, meal planning and exercise.  Call (308) 398-5565 for more information.