Proper diabetes treatment and education can help you stay healthy. Without proper treatment, diabetes can lead to serious nerve, heart, eye or kidney problems, but this does not have to happen to you! A little knowledge about diabetes can go a long way in keeping you healthy while living with this serious disease.
The following classes are offered to help you maintain your diabetes:
Diabetes Information Nights – Support Group
Offered the second Tuesday night of every month (except June, July, August and December). This group is held in the St. Charles Room at SSM St. Joseph Health Center. A diabetes topic is presented each month by a certified diabetes educator or a speaker that has expertise in the topic to be discussed (a physician, dietitian, etc.). There is no charge or registration to attend. Light refreshments are served. Call Patty Shelton, certified diabetes educator, at 636-947-5573 for more information.
Diabetes Self Management Training (DSMT)
Includes a series of three classes over a three- to four- month period held at SSM St. Joseph Health Center. This program offers a person with diabetes the opportunity to live well with disease. Classes are covered by most insurance plans. Learn the latest about diabetes, glucose monitoring, food choices, complications, sick day management, foot care, coping with life stressors, holidays, vacations and other unusual life situations. DSMT is available with a doctor's order. Call 636-949-9600 to register. For more information, call Patty Shelton, certified diabetes educator, at 636-947-5573.
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)
A nutritional diagnostic therapy and counseling service held at SSM St. Joseph Health Center for disease management with a licensed, registered dietitian. One-on-one sessions with the dietitian will include development of a specific meal plan for you and assist you in making appropriate behavior changes. Specific expertise in diabetes, weight management, GI disorders, pediatric nutrition and sports nutrition. MNT is available with a doctor's order only. MNT complements DSMT by individualizing patient goals and plans. On average, patients who use MNT along with DSMT obtain an additional one-point reduction in their A1C level. To register call 636-949-9600. To speak with a dietician for more infomation call 636-947-5163.