“There are many myths about diabetes that make it difficult for people to believe some of the hard facts – such as diabetes is a serious and potentially deadly disease. These myths can create a picture of diabetes that is not accurate and full of stereotypes and stigma.” Excerpt from the American Diabetes Association website. To learn more about diabetes and whether or not you are at risk, go to www.diabetes.org.
Take this 60 second Type 2 Diabetes Risk test to learn more about your risk. https://www.diabetes.org/risk-test
Northern Maine Medical Center’s Diabetes Education Program is designed to assist the person with diabetes, and their family, in learning about the disease, its treatment and self-care. The program is a comprehensive outpatient diabetes education program in compliance with the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
DIABETES PREVENTION & CONTROL PROGRAM
The program is designed to assist the person with diabetes to learn more in order to help prevent possible long-term, life-threatening complications. Whether you are newly diagnosed with diabetes or have been living with diabetes for several years, we invite you to join our program and learn more about living a healthy and full life.
Managing your diabetes includes 7 self-care behaviors: healthy eating, being active, monitoring, taking medications, problem solving, reducing risks and healthy coping.
The diabetes education group sessions are scheduled as four 2 hour classes over a period of two weeks for a total of 8 hours of class time. We encourage you to bring along a family member or significant other to accompany you at no additional cost.
A one hour pre-assessment with a Nurse Diabetes Educator is required prior to class participation. A follow-up appointment with a nurse or dietitian will be scheduled as needed to review material, assess progress and set goals. Medical Nutrition Therapy with a Registered Dietitian is available by appointment for individualized meal planning. Nutrition is a critical part of diabetes care. Balancing the right amount of carbohydrates, fat and protein along with fiber, vitamins and minerals supports diet and a healthy lifestyle.
To determine if your health insurance plan covers this service, contact your insurance carrier to approve payment. Specifically mention DSMT, Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Services. For assistance with questions regarding insurance, call us at 207-834-1442.
We offer classes in both Fort Kent and Madawaska.
To learn about our class schedule, call 207-834-1946.
Managing Your Diabetes includes such topics as:
– General Facts
– Nutrition
– Medication
– High Blood Sugar
– Low Blood Sugar
– Blood Sugar Monitoring
– Urine Testing
– Stress
– Travel
– Exercise
– Psychological Adjustment
– Family Involvement
– Preventing Complications
– Managing Illness
Takes steps today to raise your awareness of diabetes risk factors and what you can do to reduce your risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. To learn more, go to https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-risk/prevention