Diabetes Education
When you have diabetes, life can seem difficult. When patients are faced with diabetes, managing medications, blood glucose testing, and maintaining a good diet can be a challenge without the proper support. The diabetes education program provided by Henry County Medical Center’s Department for Diabetes Education can provide a framework for patients and their families to learn to live well with diabetes.
We proudly offer an educational program recognized by the American Association of Diabetes Educators’ Diabetes Education Accreditation Program which is designed for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors who want to learn more about managing their diabetes.
The Diabetes Self-Management Education Program
HCMC offers a complete program for patients with pre-diabetes, Type 1 and 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Our accredited program is coordinated and taught by Kim Dempsey, MS, RDN, LDN, CDCES. Having a registered dietitian/nutritionist who is additionally trained as a certified diabetes care and education specialist as a member of your healthcare team makes managing your diabetes easier. She works with you to develop a plan to stay healthy, and gives you the tools and ongoing support to make that plan a regular part of your life. Our program has seven key areas of focus. A diabetes educator can help you understand the causes and disease process of diabetes, then set priorities and coach you on each of these areas.
The Diabetes Self-Management Education Program is accredited by the Diabetes Education Accreditation Program as meeting the national standards for diabetes education and support. All education is provided by a registered dietitian who is certified in diabetes care and education with 15+ years of diabetes management experience. Our Diabetes Education program is designed to meet individualized needs.
Diabetes education services are provided in a setting that allows one-on-one interactions with the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist for individualized counseling for one or all areas of diabetes care. This is a team approach between the patient, the CDCES and the primary care provider to develop an individualized plan of care to help the patient achieve control. A physician referral is required. Discuss attending the program with your primary care provider. The diabetes educator will call to schedule your appointment upon receipt of the referral order.
Patients and families will learn more about:
- Healthy Eating
- Being Active
- Monitoring
- Taking Medications
- Problem Solving
- Reducing risks
- Healthy Coping
Our patients that participate in education and support programs have been able to achieve and maintain many successful outcomes. Patients are able to lower their HbA1c results, achieve desirable cholesterol levels, lose weight, begin exercise routines and many more positive results.
You can help us better serve you by coming to your visits with a complete list of medications, including dosages, your most recent laboratory data, and at least one week of blood sugar readings, if available.
Referrals
Referrals are necessary to enroll in the program and must be provided by a licensed practitioner, such as your primary care provider or specialist. The signed order for Diabetes Self-Management Education can be faxed to 731-644-8488. A provider can also make a referral electronically through the Order Facilitator system. The educator who will be working with you will call to schedule an appointment.
Consultations and Costs
Diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs are covered by most insurance groups including Medicare. Please confirm with your insurance provider to verify your benefits before scheduling an appointment.
Contact Information
To learn more about our services, the DSME program can be reached by calling (731)644-8575 for Kim Dempsey, MS, RDN, LDN, CDCES.
