Diabetes Education Classes

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Diabetes Education Can Improve Your Health

Education and information are powerful tools that can help you prevent diabetes or live well with diabetes. Munson Healthcare offers several classes and programs to help you thrive.

A physician referral is required in advance to attend. Pre-registration is also required.

Please find a Diabetes Education location closest to you. Telehealth appointments may also be available:

 

See Our Locations

 

 

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
 

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.


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 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. 



National Diabetes Prevention Program

Have you ever been told that you are at risk for developing diabetes? Do you have pre-diabetes, borderline diabetes, high blood sugar/glucose, or had gestational diabetes? You may be at high risk for type 2 diabetes, but there is something you can do about it. 

A program led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can help you learn how to change your lifestyle to prevent type 2 diabetes. Groups meet for 16 weekly sessions and six monthly follow-up sessions with a trained lifestyle coach. Classes are offered across northern Michigan by the following partners:

To find programs across the state of Michigan, visit Healthy Michigan Programs. For more information about the National Diabetes Prevention Program, call 231-935-9227.