Receiving a diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Mainline Health is here to give you the tools and education you need to not only manage your diabetes, but to live and thrive with Type 2 or gestational diabetes. We are your partner in health and we will be here to help you every step of the way.
Mainline Health offers individual appointments for diabetes education at each of our clinics during clinic hours. Virtual classes and classes over the phone are also available. We will contact your primary care provider to get a referral.
What You Will Learn
How To Eat
You will learn to eat in a healthy way. You may need to make some food adjustments, such as cutting down on portion sizes, or reducing your intake of carbohydrates, fat and salt. And despite what you might have heard, enjoying an occasional sweet treat is still possible. You’ll learn how to think of eating in a way that motivates your family and friends to join you in living a healthier life.
How To Prevent High And Low Blood Sugar
When you have diabetes, it is extremely important to keep your blood sugar levels within your target range. You will learn how to manage your levels to avoid serious health problems.
How To Take Your Medicine
It will be important to understand how to take your medications to manage your blood sugar levels. In some cases, you may have to learn how to give yourself insulin injections.
How To Manage Stress
Stress management is important for everyone, but it is even more crucial for patients with diabetes. Stress affects your blood sugar levels, so managing it is vital to avoiding complications.
How To Get And Stay Motivated To Be Physically Active
Moving more helps to control diabetes. If you are not active now, you will learn to make small changes in your day to increase your activity. Being active pays off by lowering glucose levels, strengthening your heart and helping you lose weight.
How To Ask Your Doctor Or Nurse Practitioner Questions
You might feel overwhelmed when you are initially diagnosed and have a lot of questions. That’s OK. There is a lot to learn. Your doctor wants to help, and we can help you learn what questions to ask.
How To Prevent Complications
Yes, you may know people who have had serious diabetes complications like a heart attack or an amputation. However, there are many things you can do to decrease your own risk of complications. We will help you learn what you can do and help you practice those behaviors. We will help you prevent complications and encourage you as you practice new lifestyle choices.
How To Get Support From Family And Friends
You will need support along your journey with diabetes from those closest to you. Family and friends can give you the physical and emotional support you need to help you stick to a healthier lifestyle. You will learn how to ask for help.
*Information adapted from Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists “Six Things to Tell Your Patients.”
We Are Here to Help
Educating yourself about your diagnosis is an important first step in learning how to manage your diabetes.
For more information, contact:
Jane Pelkki, MPH, RD, LD
Director of Health Education
Mainline Health Systems, Inc.
Office: 870-538-5414 ext. 506
Fax: 870-538-5412
Jane is a Registered Dietician and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist.
Healthy Recipes