Diabetes Education
Great River Health Diabetes Education is here to help you develop the skills, knowledge, and attitude needed to live a full, flexible lifestyle while balancing Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes.
Participants are referred by Great River Health providers. Participants may attend a series of group education classes or meet with the diabetes educator and dietician one-on-one. This self-management training program is certified and covered by most insurance carriers.
HCHC’s Diabetes Education has achieved recognition from the State of Iowa and the American Diabetes Association for meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Education.
To view the 2023 Calendar of Events, click here.
EDUCATION SERVICES
Group Diabetes Education
Monthly 10-hour classes in group settings taught by certified diabetic educators, physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists, and dietitians.
Follow Up Classes
2-hour class is offered monthly to review diabetes basics.
Individual Education
Content-specific education sessions to meet individual patient needs.
Consultation with Dietitian
One-on-one sessions with a dietitian to address dietary needs.
Gestational Diabetes Education
Individual sessions with certified diabetic educators to educate about and assist with managing diabetes during pregnancy.
Insulin Instruction
Individual session with certified diabetic educator to learn how to properly administer insulin.
Hypoglycemia Instruction
Individual education with diabetes education team to successfully treat and manage hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Diabetes Support Group
Free sessions are offered 5 times a year for patients and their family members to help cope with the diagnosis of diabetes.
Pre-diabetes Classes
Free classes are offered bi-monthly to address lifestyle changes to manage elevated blood sugars.
Clinical Services
- 72-hour Professional Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Insulin Pump Management and Initiation
INDIVIDUAL CLASSES
Self-management training is beneficial for you if you have diabetes-whether you are newly diagnosed or you have had diabetes for many years, this program will help you live a healthier life.
An assessment is conducted by a diabetic nurse educator and/or a dietitian to determine what your specific needs are. The sessions include Diabetes overview, glucose monitoring, prevention and treatment of high and low blood sugars, pattern control, meal planning, food preparation, insulin therapy, weight management, and exercise. Follow-up will be done by a registered nurse at three months, six months, and twelve months.
GROUP CLASSES
Diabetes Education offers a group education class for you and a family member. Classes are offered monthly at HCHC. The classes are taught by a variety of medical professionals including a physician, registered nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, social worker, and podiatrist. Class sessions feature the following topics:
- Goal Setting
- What is Diabetes?
- Chronic Complications of Diabetes
- Foot Care
- Diabetes Medications
- Glucose Monitoring
- Skin and Dental Care
- Meal Planning
- Post Test
- Behavior Modification and Coping
- The Importance of Exercise
- Review Goals
Also available are:
- 3-Month Follow-up Visits
- Follow-up Phone Calls
- Support Group
COFFEE CLUB/SUPPORT GROUP
Join us for our Coffee Club
A free social hour discussing diabetes and health topics that concern you. Call 319-385-6518 to learn more.