Diabetes Education

Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Training and Education

Diabetes is one of the most serious problems of our time. What you should know

More than 18 million Americans have diabetes
Over 5 million are undiagnosed
More than 60,000 adult Nebraskans have it, plus 20% more are not diagnosed.
People often have only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Uncontrolled diabetes is the:
Seventh leading cause of death
Leading cause of heart disease
Leading cause of stroke
Leading cause of kidney failure
Leading cause of amputations
Leading cause of blindness

What you should do The American Diabetes Association recommends good blood glucose (blood sugar) control. You can achieve this by following a treatment plan that results in a daily blood glucose average of 140 or lower, and a hemoglobin A1C (three month average) of 7 percent or lower. You can reduce your risk of blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage by 50 to 75 percent with near-normal blood glucose control.

In order to succeed, motivation and education are the key.

Diabetes Education can help

Our education program, taught by a skilled health care team that specializes in diabetes, teaches you everything you need to know about managing your diabetes so you can live a healthier life. Many program participants in this program have seen reduced hemoglobin A1C levels and say they feel more confident in their ability to manage their diabetes. What you will learn

An understanding of diabetes and how it affects your body.
Blood glucose monitoring and how to use the results
Healthy eating habits
Monitoring you medications
Importance of exercise and activity
Early detection and prevention of complications

This multipart course is offered as group classes every month and individually by appointment. Family members and significant others are welcome to attend at no additional cost. For those with special needs, we offer individual instruction as needed. The charge for this program is billed directly to your medical insurance/Medicare and is covered by many plans. For more information Contact Connie Schmit, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator at (402) 367-1200.