American Diabetes Association Recognized Program (ADA)
Hendrick Medical Center's Diabetes Self-Management Education Program has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for quality self-management education*.

A physician's order is required for program attendance and for billing your insurance. Insurance companies vary in amounts payable for diabetes education. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to determine if these classes will be covered under your plan. Payment of a co-pay and/or deductible is required at each visit. Hendrick Medical Center offers payment arrangements. A family member or significant other may attend each appointment at no additional charge.

ADA recognition is a rigorous application process that demonstrates we meet National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education, and that we provide quality diabetes education services to our patients. Most insurance and Medicare will cover recognized programs.

Risk Factors and Signs of Diabetes
Each day approximately 2,700 people are diagnosed with diabetes (American Diabetes Association 2002). If you think you might have this disease, contact your doctor for a blood test to determine if you have diabetes.

Risk Factors for Diabetes

• Getting little or no exercise
• Over age 45
• Overweight
• A brother, sister, mother, father or grandparent with diabetes
• A member of one of the following ethnic group – Hispanic, Native American, African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander
• History of gestational diabetes

Signs of Diabetes:

• Extreme tiredness
• Always thirsty and hungry
• Going to the bathroom frequently, especially at night
• Blurred vision
• Numbness and tingling in feet or hands
• Losing weight without even trying
• Frequent or recurring infections
• Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal

Diabetes Self-Management Education
Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE) provide self-management education related to children and adults with diabetes, their families, and appropriate support systems.

Diabetes Educators Provide:

• Assessment of educational needs
• Assessment of current lab values
• An overview of diabetes and how your body works
• Assistance with patient designed self-management goals
• Self-monitoring and use of the results
• Individualized meal plan and medical nutrition therapy
• Medication teaching and insulin administration instruction
• Exercise and activity recommendations
• Education regarding prevention and management of acute and chronic complications
• Foot and skin care guidelines
• The signs, symptoms and treatment of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Sick day guidelines
• Gestational diabetes education

The Benefits of Diabetes Self-Management Education:

• Individualized assessment
• Individualized education
• Opportunity for family involvement
• Improved patient outcomes
• Reduced risk of complications
• Reduced medical care costs

Diabetes Self-Management Education at Hendrick Medical Center

• Inpatient diabetes survival skills education
• Outpatient education individual appointments
• Diabetes Self-Management Education Classes
• Diabetes workshops
• Community presentations on diabetes and related topics

Hendrick Diabetes Support Group
The Abilene Diabetes Support Group is offered through Hendrick Medical Center. The monthly meetings provide informational programs about diabetes and related topics, and the opportunity to interact and learn from other people with diabetes. The group meets 7 PM to 8 PM on the second Thursday of every month in the Auxiliary Conference Room at Hendrick Medical Center’s Shelton Building, 2000 Pine Street.

How to Refer Patients for Diabetes Self-Management Education at Hendrick Medical Center
To make an appointment for a patient, contact Centralized Scheduling at 325-670-4270. Our goal is to see patients as quickly as possible. If you are not able to obtain an appointment as soon as needed, please contact our education staff at 670-2421or 4323. A Physician Order with specific information is required to bill insurance for diabetes education services. Contact Centralized Scheduling or the DSME program for the Physician Order Form and fax to Centralized Scheduling at 325-670-4276 when complete. Please be sure to include the most recent lab results requested. This information is beneficial to your patient's education. The referring physician will receive a complete report of the education and assessments provided to the patient. (Physician Order Form coming soon.)

For More Information
For more information about Diabetes Self-Management Education at Hendrick Medical Center or the Abilene Diabetes Support Group contact Donna Goble at 325.670.2421.