Morris Hospital - Diabetes Education Services

Diabetes Education Services

Diabetes affects 25.8 million Americans. According to the American Diabetes Association, it was a contributing factor in 231,404 deaths in 2007. Whether a person has been newly diagnosed or living with diabetes his or her entire life, managing diabetes is key to a healthy life. Even at the pre-diabetes stage, long-term damage to the body may already be occurring. Be proactive, and manage your diabetes from the onset.

At Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers, our diabetes educators are dedicated to helping individuals overcome their struggles with diabetes. Through diet, physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and proper medication management, individuals are guided toward a healthy lifestyle. Whether struggling with pre-diabetes, gestational diabetes, or type 1 or type 2 diabetes, Morris Hospital's diabetes educators will help design a lifestyle routine that is unique to each individual's diabetes.

Morris Hospital offers four types of diabetes education programs. Three of the programs -- a Carb Counting Class, Diabetes Support Group and Diabetes Management Workshop -- are set in an interactive, group atmosphere. For those needing more individual and specialized attention, our educators are also available to provide One-On-One Counseling on a more personal level.

Diabetes Support Group
Morris Hospital's Diabetes Support Group provides individuals living with diabetes the opportunity to interact with others who have the disease. Participants can discuss the effects diabetes has on their lives and the strategies they use to manage their diabetes. Certified diabetes educators serve as facilitators, educating participants while they learn from the experiences of others. The Diabetes Support Group meets the second Wednesday of the month from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Carb Counting Class
Medical studies show that carb counting is the best way to manage blood glucose levels. Under the guidance of a Morris Hospital certified diabetes educator, individuals with diabetes will learn to track their daily carbohydrate intake, obtain label reading skills, learn how various foods affect blood sugar levels and how to incorporate favorite foods into their diet. The class is held monthly.

Diabetes Management Workshop
Geared toward people recently diagnosed with diabetes or those who have been managing the disease for a long time, the Diabetes Management Workshop covers specific techniques, along with new and innovative ways to manage diabetes. Presented by a registered nurse, a dietitian and a pharmacist, the workshop covers the basics -- what to do when you are ill, foot care, types of medications and when to take them, when to monitor your blood sugar and when to notify your doctor. The goal is to help lead individuals with diabetes on the path toward healthy lifestyles. The workshop is held monthly.

One-on-One Counseling
Meeting individually with a Morris Hospital certified diabetes educator enables individuals to develop healthy living habits that are unique to the management of each person's diabetes. This one-on-one counseling is a free service provided by Morris Hospital. Because no two people with diabetes are the same, educators incorporate lessons that have been presented in group setting and apply them to the individual.

Next Steps
Morris Hospital's Diabetes Education Programs are offered throughout the year. A schedule of dates and times is available on our Events & Classes calendar. For more information or to register for programs, please contact the Diabetes Educator at 815-942-2932, ext. 7367.