The Diabetes Self-Management Outpatient Program at Sparks Health System is designed for adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The program, nationally recognized by the American Diabetes Association, assists people with diabetes in managing their disease. A referral by a physician is required for participation in this program; to schedule an appointment, the physician’s office may call 479-441-4100. Medicare and most insurance plans will provide reimbursement for the cost of this program.
The Diabetes Support Group meets first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. For more information, please call, 479-441-4076.
The Diabetes Self-Management Outpatient Program
The program includes:
- Pre-class assessment by the diabetes educators
- Six-hour class session, with lunch provided
- One-on-one sessions as needed
- Follow-up at two weeks, three months and six months
- Microalbuminuria (urine test detecting kidney problems)
- Glycosolated Hemoglobin (a blood test that reflects the average blood sugar over the past three months)
- Blood pressure and weight checks at pre-class assessment and at follow-up visits
- Membership at the Marvin Altman Fitness Center
The program staff includes:
Four certified diabetes educators (two registered nurses and two registered dietitians)
- Two exercise trainers
- Ophthalmologist (eye doctor)
- Podiatrist (foot care doctor)
- Psychologist (behaviorist)
- Social Worker
Program Content
Based on the needs of the participant, the program will provide instruction in the following areas:
- Diabetes overview
- Stress and psychosocial adjustment
- Family involvement and social support
- Nutrition
- Exercise and activity
- Medications
- Monitoring and use of results
- Relationship among nutrition, exercise, medication and blood glucose levels
- Prevention, detection and treatment of acute complications
- Foot, skin and dental care
- Behavior change strategies, goal setting, risk factor reduction and problem solving
- Benefits, risks and management options for improving glucose control
- Preconception care, pregnancy and gestational diabetes
- Use of healthcare systems and community resources
For More Information
Call diabetes education, (479)441-4076.