St. Francis Offers Diabetes Classes for Patients

Does your family member, friend or patient have diabetes? Could their self-management skills use some improvement? St. Francis offers outpatient diabetes classes for people with diabetes and their families. Patients who are new diabetics, or who have had it for a long time can benefit from the classes.

The St. Francis ABC Diabetes Program holds classes monthly and offers daytime, evening and weekend classes. We establish our class schedules to meet the needs of attendees. Specifically, each class holds approximately 15 people, and as the number of people referred increases, we open additional classes. Because of our flexibility, feel free to refer patients to us and we will do our best to accommodate their availability.

The program, which is recognized by the American Diabetes Association, is designed to be highly interactive, in an atmosphere that is relaxed and supportive. The cost of the program is covered by most insurance plans, Medicaid and Medicare. (Patients may still be referred to Home Care for diabetic education.)

When are they offered: Classes are scheduled according to patient need and request. Currently, some are in the evening, and some on Saturday mornings right here at St. Francis. The series is usually five two-hour classes, or combined classes on Saturdays. Families or support people are encouraged to attend.

What is covered:

• Overview of the disease process
• Medication management (oral and insulin)
• Monitoring blood glucose and ketones and use of result to improve control. All participants are given a meter, if they do not have one.
• Nutrition
• Prevention, detection, and treatment of acute complications
• Prevention, detection, and treatment of chronic complications
• Physical activity
• Psychosocial adjustment
• Goal setting and problem solving in daily living

Cost of the classes is covered by insurance. You can attend whether you are new to diabetes, or have had it for a long time. To enroll, or to find out more information, call 302-421-4325.