Diabetes Self Management Program

By Peg Flocco, Certified Diabetes Educator

If you're one of the 29 million people living with diabetes, I have good news for you. Participating in a diabetes self-management education and support program can help you manage and prevent complications, and help you take control of your diabetes.

As the Certified Diabetes Educator at Sturdy Memorial Hospital, I help individuals navigate their disease. A diagnosis of diabetes can lead to many lifestyle adjustments. In most cases, you may need to make many daily self-management decisions, and if you're newly diagnosed, knowing what to do and when to do it can be overwhelming, but you're not alone. We've developed a program that helps patients gain a better understanding of how to live a healthier lifestyle.

Our American Diabetes Association (ADA) recognized program, led by a diabetes educator, helps patients and families learn more about topics such as:

• What is diabetes and what is going on in your body?
• Healthy eating and meal planning
• Exercise and being active
• Monitoring blood sugar and what the results mean
• Medications and how they work in the body
• Problem solving
• Reducing risks and preventing short and long term complications
• Coping with the psychological adjustment to living with diabetes
• Addressing the needs, goals, and life experiences of living with diabetes. You will have the opportunity to set your own goals.
• Ongoing support and free diabetes support group

By participating in education and support programs, you can achieve and maintain successful outcomes, like many of our patients. In most cases, our patients are able to lower their A1C results, achieve in-range cholesterol levels, lose weight, and begin exercise routines. More important, we'll empower you with the knowledge to help yourself feel better.

To register for Sturdy's diabetes education, you will need to obtain a referral from your primary care physician. Your physician's office should then call Sturdy's diabetes office coordinator at 508-236-7497 or fax the referral to 508-236-7095. The diabetes office coordinator will then schedule your first appointment in the Diabetes Management Program.