Diabetes Program at Valley General Hospital

Continuing our commitment to provide True Community Medicine, Valley General Hospital is launching a comprehensive Diabetes Education Program in January 2008. The program, which requires a physician referral, will encompass teaching patients and families on the following aspects of diabetes care:

• Blood glucose monitoring
• Nutrition and meal planning
• Exercise
• Medications
• Sick day management
• Foot care
• Prevention of complications
• Management of hyperglycemia
• Management of hypoglycemia
• Insulin starts: syringe and pen injection training
• Insulin pump training

In addition to the above services, we also provide community resources and referral services. We are open to patients of all ages with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes or Gestational Diabetes.

“The Valley General Hospital Diabetes Program specializes in individualized educational needs with a multidisciplinary medical team approach. Diabetes is a chronic illness that sometimes feels like can be too much bear. We meet the patient where they are as far as acceptance of the illness and readiness to change care and habits. If the patient is a “small steps” person, then we are here to help provide the education and support to see it through; likewise for patients with more intensive needs. Using our community based approach; our patients will have a complete medical team consisting of a diabetes educator nurse and registered dietitian, their primary care provider, pharmacist, podiatrist, ophthalmologist and an exercise program to help carry the burden for the patient, while empowering them to manage diabetes a little better and a little easier. “
- Jennifer Okemah MS, RD, CD, Diabetes Program Coordinator

Please call 360-794-1447 ext. 370 for questions.

Classes

Whether you have just been diagnosed with diabetes, or have been living with it for years, the Diabetes Program at Valley General Hospital has a class that is right for you. Our core teaching staff consists of a registered nurse and registered dietitian, both with advanced training in diabetes education (CDE and BC-ADM). We teach in group and private settings based on patient needs. Please feel free to bring a family member or support person to any of our programs.

DIABETES SELF MANAGEMENT CLASSES – requires physician referral

Essentials of Diabetes
This series of classes focuses on the overall management of diabetes for healthy living. We combine interactive, facilitator moderated classes with didactic information. This method ensures up to date information and collaboration between participants. The 8-hours of classroom time covers topics such as what diabetes is, facts and myths of diabetes, blood sugar monitoring, target blood sugar numbers, avoiding complications, nutrition management, coping skills and much more. The series includes four, 2-hour classes that are offered during the day, evenings and weekends to accommodate busy schedules.

Refresher Course
This is a 2-hour session to update patients who have completed Essentials of Diabetes classes, or basic diabetes education at another facility. We will discuss such topics as: barriers to previous set goals, problem solving, carb counting, managing medications and physical activity. We will also explore the latest developments in diabetes research and treatment options.

Advanced Carbohydrate Counting
An individual session or small group class that will help participants learn the art of matching insulin doses to carbohydrate content in meals, how to correct high blood sugars and glucose pattern management for optimal control.

Gestational Diabetes
Individual sessions or a small group class to include comprehensive information on how and why to monitor blood sugars and following meal plans for healthy outcomes for mother and baby.

*Fees for the above group sessions and individual classes are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid (DSHS). Please contact your insurance company to obtain information regarding possible deductibles and co-pays. If you do not have insurance, our hospital staff can work with your particular situation. Please call Dorothy Holm at 360-794-1447 ext. 182.

Community Education classes – do not require physician referal
A variety of classes offered throughout the year. Classes are taught in the hospital or in an appropriate community setting by a Registered Dietitian or Registered Nurse. The subjects range from Grocery Store Tours, Cooking classes, physical activity sessions, and diabetes prevention education and healthy heart. This service is open to the community and may have a small fee.

Diabetes Support Group
Open to community members affected by diabetes. The support group meets the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Enter through the previous Recovery Center entrance and proceed to F123 (Skykomish Room). Expect camaraderie, knowledge building and guest speakers. This service is free.

For information about classes, call 360-794-1447 ext. 370.