The American Diabetes Association recognizes Mercy's Diabetes Education Program as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.

If you or a family member have been diagnosed with diabetes, Mercy can help with a wide range of outpatient programs and services. Our team of experienced diabetes nurse educators and dietitians have created a comprehensive program to help you and your family gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes you need to achieve and maintain control of your diabetes.

• Learn about aspects of self-care including medication management, diet and nutritional requirements
• Achieve and maintain good diabetes control
• Prevent any acute or long-term complications that may occur

• Individualized sessions for Type 1 Diabetes and intensive diabetes self-management including insulin pump therapy
• In-group or individual sessions for Type 2 Diabetes
• Gestational diabetes counseling.

Introduction to Diabetes
Explores:
• how diabetes affects bodily functions;
• the difference between Type 1 and Type 2;
• the relationship between good control and prevention of complications and the essential components of diabetes management.


Hyperglycemia and Monitoring
Learn about the causes of high blood sugar and diabetic coma, its symptoms, treatment, and prevention. You will learn how to monitor your own blood glucose if desired.

Medication and Hypoglycemia
We'll cover the different types of insulin and their actions in the body. Oral medications will be described, and we'll talk about how they work and their potential side effects. We will also discuss low blood sugar, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Meal Planning
We'll review the ever important relationships between insulin, food, and exercise. There is a way to fit the foods you like into your meal plan, eat out, snack, and enjoy your favorite recipes. We'll talk about food product labels and how they can help every day.

General Information
Our presentation includes the benefits of exercise and foot care, what to do during sick days and while traveling, and the effect of stress on diabetes.