While there is no cure for diabetes, patients can still control symptoms and take charge of their health. TriHealth offers a Diabetes Self-Management Education Program designed to help patients cope with the disease, manage symptoms and create a plan of action suitable for their lifestyle.
The program is taught by registered nurses and registered dietitians with years of experience in the field of diabetes education, many of whom are certified diabetes educators. They collaborate with your primary care or specialist physician to ensure that your educational needs are met.
What to Expect
The Diabetes Self-Management Education Program is a series of five appointments, scheduled approximately every two weeks. During the first appointment, a diabetes nurse educator and dietitian perform an initial assessment in order to develop a teaching plan designed specifically for your needs. You may also receive some fundamental education on blood sugar testing and basic diet guidelines.
Throughout the next four courses, the program administrators work with you, your family and your physician so you can successfully manage diabetic symptoms and lead a healthy, normal life.
During the education program, patients will learn a variety of self-care skills, including:
- How to monitor your blood sugar
- Symptoms of high and low blood sugar
- Treatment options
- Healthy eating
- Ways to change your behavior to reduce your health risks
- Management of diabetes during pregnancy
How to Enroll
To participate in this program, you must have a prescription from your doctor for Diabetes or Nutrition Education. The doctor may fax your prescription to 513 569 6617.
Your insurance company may cover the cost of your visits or you can make self-payment arrangements. Currently, Medicare allows 10 hours of education in the first consecutive year after education begins.
Support
TriHealth offers a diabetes support group at the TriHealth Fitness & Health Pavilion on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Meetings are free and open to the public, and include guest speakers who present on diabetes-related topics. Call 513 865 1126 for more information. Please note there are no meetings in June, July, August or December.