Diabetes education

Manage your diabetes

Take an active role in your health by participating in diabetes self-management education (DSME) at ProHealth. You’ll get information and support to help you control your diabetes and avoid serious problems. DSME may help you:

• Reduce your A1C (average blood sugar levels).
• Reduce your risk of developing long-term complications from diabetes.
• Prevent hospital admissions.
• Decrease diabetes-related stress and depression.
• Start or maintain healthy behaviors.
• Improve your quality of life.

Recognized diabetes education

Select a diabetes education program at ProHealth and know you’re getting expert guidance. The American Diabetes Association recognizes our programs for meeting national standards for high-quality diabetes self-management education.

Your first appointment

Begin your diabetes self-management education with a one-on-one appointment with a certified diabetes educator (CDE). Expect your educator to:

• Review your medical history and medications.
• Talk to you about your eating habits, behaviors and lifestyle.
• Check your feet for diabetes-related problems.
• Teach you (or review) how to use your glucose meter.
• Answer your questions about diabetes.
• Suggest what types of diabetes classes and groups are right for you.

You’re encouraged to bring a family member or friend to all diabetes education appointments and classes.

Diabetes classes and counseling

Join an individual or group diabetes class at time and location that’s convenient for you and your support person. During four weekly two-hour classes, you’ll learn how to:

• Plan healthful meals.
• Become physically active.
• Cope with and manage stress.
• Control your symptoms.
• Take your medicines the right way.
• Track your blood glucose.

Insulin pump support

Get help from ProHealth staff for insulin pump training and changes. Call 262-928-4695 to make an appointment for this service.

Insurance coverage

Most insurance plans cover diabetes education. Contact your insurance company to check what’s covered under your plan.

Diabetes resources

Visit lending libraries at ProHealth Diabetes Center locations. Check out books, magazines, cookbooks and videos. Or, access the Wisconsin Department of Health Services diabetes resources.