Patient Education Services
Diabetes is a serious and sometimes overwhelming disease. Research tells us that the devastating complications of diabetes can be delayed and/or prevented with good blood glucose control.
At Mid-America Diabetes Associates, we believe that you, the individual with diabetes and your family must be knowledgeable about diabetes. You live with diabetes every day. As a result, you must be able to choose the right foods and know how to treat yourself, in certain circumstances. Few other diseases affect what you eat, when you exercise, what medicine you may take, and how you feel about yourself and others. All of these things affect your blood sugar. You can take control and work toward preventing the complications such as nerve changes, eye changes, kidney changes, and blood vessel changes. Since you are in control, not us, not your family doctor or anyone else, it is critical that you know as much as possible about diabetes and how to live with the disease.
Not everyone is alike and not everyone has the same insurance or schedule. Therefore, there are a number of educational opportunities. We believe that everyone at some time should participate in a self-management educational program.
Our Center offers a program that is recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). It incorporates problem solving and real world experiences. Our success demonstrates a drop in A1C (3 month blood sugar average) of 1%.
How to get enrolled
A referral from your provider; physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant is needed to start the process. Our office staff will be happy to assist you in obtaining this information. Most insurance policies cover diabetes education. We ask that you contact your insurance company for benefit coverage. For individuals that cannot afford diabetes education and meet financial guidelines, we can assist you with funding through Great Plains Diabetes Research and Children’s Miracle Network. Please contact our office for more information.
What You Can Expect
Whether you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes or need a refresher course, we have several classes to offer. The process starts with an individual assessment. At this appointment, we will check your glucose meter for accurate settings, or provide you with a new meter and training, provide healthy eating tips with our dietitian, review your history and medications, and perform a foot exam. We will develop your plan for education and blood glucose monitoring that is appropriate for you. Medication management may be provided by the ARNP if you and your provider request.
Diabetes is a very manageable disease and you should be able to live a productive and active life. We will help you learn to self-manage your diabetes and be in control of your diabetes, not let diabetes control you.
 | Patient Education Programs |
