Diabetes Self-Management Education Program
Learn more about diabetes self-care from a Certified Diabetes Educator including:
§ Monitoring
§ Medications,
§ Physical activity,
§ Healthy eating,
§ Preventing complications,
§ Psychological adjustment,
§ Problem-solving
§ Goal-planning
Education is held at two convenient locations
· St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia
· Good Samaritan Regional Health Center – Mt. Vernon
Diabetes Self-Management Education is available in:
Ø Group sessions (preferred by Medicare) which consist of a total of eight hours of instruction divided between two separate days. Participants learn about managing diabetes from A – Z while having fun and meeting people who have the same diabetes issues. For a complete schedule of group classes at both St. Mary’s Hospital and at Good Samaritan, click here!
Ø Individual sessions which last approximately one hour. Plan to return at least 2 – 3 times to complete the training modules. These visits are intended for those who are unable or unwilling to participate in group sessions.
Ø Medical Nutrition Therapy is provided by a Registered Dietitian
Ø All of the above services are covered by Medicare and most private payers. Medicaid does not cover any education. However, Medicaid recipients may contact the Patient Accounting Department for information on possible assistance.
Ø If you are interested in learning more about taking care of your diabetes and avoiding complications, contact your physician and request an order for both diabetes education and meal planning. Your physician office can take care of scheduling also.
Diabetes Education and Support Group programs are held monthly at both hospitals. There is no charge for attendance and advance registration is not required. For a complete schedule at St. Mary's, click here -- for Good Samaritan, click here!
For more information on any of the above services, contact the Diabetes Self-Management Education program at (618) 241-2708.