Saint Francis Diabetes Center
For anyone living with diabetes, the Saint Francis Diabetes Center has
education and support to help you live your best life. Diabetes education
at Saint Francis puts you in charge of your health. Group classes, individualized
sessions and personalized follow-up can make a real difference for people
with diabetes and their loved ones.
To schedule an appointment, please call 302-421-4150.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes (also called diabetes mellitus) is a disease in which the amount
of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high. This happens when insulin
is not working right and your body is not able to use the sugar you eat
for energy.
Insulin helps sugar get into the cells so it can be used for energy. With
diabetes, the pancreas, an organ near the stomach, is not making insulin
(or not enough of it). Sometimes, the body does not respond to the insulin
it does make. Then the glucose stays in the bloodstream. This causes blood
sugar levels to rise too high. As sugar builds up in the blood, if left
untreated, it can cause very serious problems, including heart and vascular
disease, and kidney, eye and nerve damage.
There are four main types of diabetes:
- Prediabetes
- Type 1
- Type 2
- Gestational diabetes
Our Services
Diabetes Nutrition Services
The Diabetes Center offers both group and individual medical nutrition
therapy sessions. These sessions are led by a registered dietitian who
is also a certified diabetes educator. During this fun, hands-on, interactive
class, you will use food models and food labels to learn about carbohydrate
counting, food groups, label reading, portion control, dining out, exercise,
and more. Learn how to make changes to control your diabetes, one meal
at a time.
Gestational Diabetes Program
If you are pregnant and have been diagnosed with diabetes during your pregnancy,
it is crucial to understand your diagnosis and take control of it. This
program will cover orientation to gestational diabetes, blood glucose
meter instruction, and nutritional counseling. Good prenatal diabetes
care is important for the health of you and your baby.
Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices
Learn how to test your blood sugar. These hands-on sessions teach you how
to use your blood glucose meter/continuous glucose monitor and when and
why to check your blood sugar. You will also learn about differences between
meters and how to get testing supplies.
Injectable Diabetes Medication Training
This session teaches you how to give yourself your insulin or other diabetes
medications while overcoming your fear. Technique, devices and regimens
are just a few important tips that will be discussed.
Individual and Follow-up Consultations
Individual consultations are available by appointment with the Diabetes
Center's Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs). They can help fine-tune
individual needs, check blood glucose monitoring results, and provide
additional support by reviewing medications and meal plans.
Call 302-421-4150 to schedule an appointment.