Diabetes Education
Diabetes Education is an essential piece in diagnosis and treatment of patients with diabetes. The Utah Diabetes and Endocrinology Center (UDEC) has a diabetes education team that consists of an RN, two Clinical Dietitians, and a Clinical Pharmacist.
Our educators are highly skilled in all areas of diabetes education including Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) through certification with the American Diabetes Association. Our patients are taught the skills they need to monitor and maintain their blood sugars at a healthy level and decrease complications associated with diabetes.
Diabetes Education Group Classes offered by our team at the UDEC, as well as in the Salt Lake community, are listed below. Patients are also scheduled for individual education visits with our educators depending on their individual needs.
Diabetes Education Classes for 2009
Education at Community Clinics (for the newly diagnosed patient):
Pre-diabetes Education Class (2 hour class)
This is a 2 hour comprehensive class that reviews
- What pre-diabetes is and the possible complications of diabetes
- The relationship between pre-diabetes and healthy eating
-Reviewing carbohydrates, fats , proteins, and fiber
-Optimal portion sizes
-Optimal calorie intake based on weight and activity level
Pre Diabetes Class will be held every first Thursday of the month from 9:00 am- 11:00 an. The cost of the class is $35.00. Your payment will be due the date of the class. The class is generally NOT covered by insurance.
Diabetes Education Classes (2 hours for each class)
Class #1: On The Road To Better Managing Your Diabetes
Class #2: Diabetes and Healthy Eating
Class #3: Continuing Your Journey With Diabetes
Class #4: This, That, And All The Other Things
The basic diabetes education is taught in four classes. The first three are consecutive classes, either 3 days in a row or once a week at night for 3 weeks. The fourth class is 1-3 months after the first class.
The first three diabetes education classes are unique in that we utilize conversation maps to create a more enjoyable and interactive experience. The maps combine powerful visual learning techniques with active dialogue between all participants. In the classes we review:
- Many of the facts and myths associated with diabetes
- The relationship between diabetes and healthy eating
- The value of monitoring and using the results
- The natural course of diabetes
- Complication of poorly controlled diabetes
- Medications used to treat diabetes; e.g. how they work, how to use them, side effects
- Importance of activity in controlling diabetes and improving your overall health
The final class (This, That, and all the other things) is a follow-up class to discuss other aspects of good health. We discuss additional information regarding diet(including but not limited to: fiber, fats, and calories), discuss where everyone is at with meeting their personal goals, review how to maintain the changes you have made, and how to reach any goals that you haven't achieved just yet. It is a fun an positive class to help you continue your journey in controlling your diabetes.
This class is taught at various times and locatins to accomodate your schedule and is typically covered by most insurances.
Carbohydrate Counting Class (2 hour class)
This is a 2 hour class that reviews carbohydrate counting for people using insulin. Participants will learn how to estimate carbohydrate intake and dose insulin using an insulin to carbohydrate ratio.
Gestational Diabetes (2 hour class)
This class isavaliable in both English and Spanish. In this class, participants will learn about diabetes during pregnancy. They will learn about risks and how to manage the disease using diet, physical activity and blood sugar monitoring.
Pump Night ( 1 1/2-2 hour class)
This is for patients considering insulin pump and for those currently on an insulin pump and interested in upgrading their current pump. An educator reviews general concepts regarding insulin pump therapy and a representative from each company will also speak regarding their product. It is held once a month in the evening.
Where the classes are taught:
- Utah Diabetes & Endocrinology Center (615 Arapeen Drive, Suite 100, Salt Lake City)
All of the above classes are taught at the Utah Diabetes & Endocrinology Center. We offer some of the classes in the evening for those who work.
- Redwood Health Center (1525 West 2100 South, Salt Lake City)
Some of the above classes are offered in the evening at the Redwood Health Center multiple;e times during the year.
If you have any questions, please call Karla at (801) 587-3913
