Diabetes Care

Diabetes Self-Management Training

Treatment and education go hand in hand to help people with diabetes keep their blood sugar levels stable. With the right tools and training, our patients can greatly minimize the long-term risk of complications such as nerve, kidney, and eye damage—as well as heart attack and stroke. Our diabetes self-management training (DSMT) helps patients learn about their disease and manage it with lifestyle adjustments: from understanding the disease itself and planning an appropriate diet to exercise, goal setting, and stress management. We also walk patients through the process of self-monitoring blood glucose and administering insulin and noninsulin injectables, as well as oral diabetes medications. In conjunction with our Center for Wound Healing , we work to identify and address non-healing wounds that may arise from complications due to diabetes.

Initial Assessment

Before attending group classes, participants must attend an initial assessment session that lasts about 90 minutes and is conducted by a diabetes educator who will help you develop a personalized diabetes care plan. Note: You need a physician’s referral for insurance reimbursement. Contact your insurer to learn how much DSMT is covered under your plan.

Group Classes

We typically offer group classes during the second and fourth weeks of each month. Both day and evening class times are available. The complete education program for those with newly diagnosed diabetes includes the initial assessment and all four of the group classes. We recommend that you attend each class to ensure that you receive all relevant material.

Class 1: Diabetes Disease Process
Learn about diabetes and why people with diabetes can experience variations in their blood glucose levels outside of their individual target goals. We explore the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes,stress management, and the importance of goal setting.

Class 2: Nutrition Management for Diabetics
Learn which foods are best for obtaining the ideal blood glucose control and improving your overall nutritional health. We discuss carbohydrate counting, meal planning, portion control, and eating out at restaurants.

Class 3: Medications and Potential Complications Find out about insulin, noninsulin injectables, and oral hypoglycemic agents. We discuss prevention of acute and chronic complications, treatment plans for acute complications such as low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia), and sick days. A nurse from the Center for Wound Healing demonstrates a foot exam and checks each participant’s feet.

Class 4: Monitoring and Exercise Learn the importance of self-monitoring your blood glucose levels and how to properly use and store your monitoring supplies. We discuss the importance of incorporating exercise into your daily routine to help obtain good blood glucose control and to optimize your overall health. During the last half of this class, an exercise specialist helps you devise an exercise program specific your needs.

Good Health Support (Weight Management & Diabetes Support Group)

Our monthly support group offers people with diabetes the chance to continue learning and networking with the support of others in the community. Support group meetings are held the first Monday of the month from Noon – 1:00 pm at Hancock Wellness-Greenfield and the fourth Wednesday of the month from 11:00 am – Noon at Hancock Wellness-McCordsville. All meetings are free and open to the public, but an RSVP is appreciated. Call the Diabetes Outpatient Center in Greenfield at (317) 468-4379 or in McCordsville at (317) 335-6989 for more information.