The components make up the Diabetes Self-Management Education Program are: a minimum of two, one-hour individualized office visits and one, seven-hour diabetes education group class.

The Diabetes Education Program covers these topics:

• What is Diabetes?
• Blood Glucose Goals
• Blood Glucose Monitoring and Use of Results
• Medications for Glucose Control
• Detection and Prevention of Complications
• Nutrition and Meal Plan Options
• Benefits of Exercise
• Balancing Food, Exercise, and Medications
• Coping with Stress

Diabetes Self-Management Education Program (ADA-recognized)

1. The Initial One-Hour Visit

   This visit will be with a nurse or dietitian diabetes educator to conduct a full assessment of your individual needs and begin the education process. You will be introduced to or review/update your blood glucose monitoring and identify your blood glucose goals. You will develop a testing schedule and be asked to begin keeping track of the foods you eat and their effects on your blood glucose levels. We teach you how to start monitoring your blood sugar levels and give you a meter to start monitoring your blood sugar levels at home. Your medications will also be reviewed.
    

2. Dynamics of Diabetes, Full Day Class
   Thursday daytime: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Lunch break: 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm)

   This is a comprehensive seven-hour course covering the basics of diabetes care and the prevention of complications. This class also includes general nutrition guidelines, carbohydrate counting, label reading, and dining-out tips. You will also learn how to balance nutrition, exercise, and medications so that your blood glucose readings are in your target range. Personal self-care goals are developed during the class and followed-up with diabetes educators after the class by phone or during office visits. This one-day class is generally offered on Thursdays and is scheduled following the initial appointment. A support person is welcome to attend with the person taking the class.

   It's often said that people who go through the program learn more about diabetes than their own general physicians!
    

3. The Second One-Hour Visit

   This hour-long visit is a follow-up visit with a registered dietitian who helps you adjust your individualized meal plan and assists you in achieving optimal blood glucose control and ultimately maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

In addition, people may attend a number of follow-up sessions depending on their individual needs. We always encourage family members to participate in this program with them.

It has been well documented that the average person who goes through a diabetes educational program reduces A1C levels by 1 and a half percentage points. The average person who goes through the comprehensive Diabetes Society program reduces their A1C levels by 2 points!

For more information, please contact the Diabetes Society at (408) 287-3785 or Infodiabetessociety.org