Manage Your Diabetes
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Education and information are powerful tools that can help you prevent diabetes or live well with diabetes. Work alongside a diabetes educator to develop a care plan that meets your unique needs. Munson Healthcare offers several classes and programs to help you thrive. All Munson Healthcare Diabetes Education programs are accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Education or recognized by the American Diabetes Association, and certified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Scroll down to see the types of classes we offer!
Diabetes Education & Support Groups
People who participate in some form of diabetes education are more successful in managing their condition. Through our many educational offerings, you will learn evidence-based information about nutrition, glucose monitoring, medications, and exercise to help you make lifestyle changes that will lead to improved health.
Our education services are tailored to meet your needs – choose from both individual one-on-one sessions and group classes.
Pre-diabetes Classes
Pre-diabetes is when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. A person with pre-diabetes is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. You can learn how to make changes that will help you avoid a diagnosis of diabetes. This class will provide you with the tools to help manage pre-diabetes, with information focusing on nutrition, weight loss, exercise, and medications (if prescribed).
A physician referral is required in advance to attend. Pre-registration is also required.
Type 2 Diabetes Classes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not use the insulin you make. People with diabetes and their families are encouraged to learn as much as possible about the latest medical therapies and approaches, as well as healthy lifestyle choices.
A physician referral is required in advance to attend. Pre-registration is also required.
Type 1 Diabetes Classes
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. If you or a loved one are newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or would like to update skills you previously learned, make an appointment with your local Munson Healthcare Diabetes Education office.
A physician referral is required in advance to attend. Pre-registration is also required.
Gestational Diabetes Education
Gestational diabetes occurs in women who have never had diabetes but who have high blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy. The purpose of treatment for gestational diabetes is to ensure a healthy mom and baby, and a safe delivery. This can be done through healthy eating, physical activity, and blood glucose testing. Women who experience gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
A physician referral is required in advance to attend. Pre-registration is also required.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Medical Nutrition Therapy is an additional two-hour benefit offered to Medicare recipients who have been diagnosed with diabetes or kidney disease and may or may not be attending diabetes education. It includes comprehensive nutritional assessments, development of a nutritional care plan, and monitoring and problem solving during visits. Behavioral and lifestyle changes are discussed to improve long-term eating habits and health.
What Topics Do Classes Typically Cover?
Typical topics discussed at appointments include:
- Diabetes: What is it?
- Glucose monitoring
- High and low blood sugar
- Insulin and injectable medications
- Insulin pump therapy and sensor training
- Lifestyle goal setting and problem solving
- Nutrition, meal planning, and carbohydrate counting
- Pregnancy planning and care
- Preventing long-term complications
- The importance of exercise
- Nutrition, meal planning, and carbohydrate counting
- Oral and injectable medications for diabetes
- Preventing long-term complications
- The importance of exercise
Other Diabetes Wellness Resources
Diabetes Prevention Program
The Diabetes Prevention Program is a 12-month lifestyle change program designed to reduce a person’s risk for developing type 2 diabetes. This research based program focuses on healthy eating and physical activity and can reduce a person’s risk for developing type 2 diabetes by 58%. The program is offered in a group setting and lead by a trained lifestyle coach.
This program is offered by several organization across Northern Michigan including
Click here to find a Diabetes Prevention Program near you.
Personal Action Towards Health (PATH)
Interactive education and weekly goal-setting activities help participants build healthy lifestyle skills. Participants learn techniques to cope with diabetes, including managing emotions and stress, eating healthy, taking medications appropriately, and working with health care providers. To learn more about PATH and to find a class near you visit PATH (mihealthyprograms.org).
Dining with Diabetes
Through instruction and food demonstrations, participants explore realistic diet changes to manage diabetes. Participants learn to cook and eat using healthy ingredients. Classes include cooking demonstrations and a sampling of tasty, seasonal food. Click here to learn more about Dining with Diabetes and to find a class near you.