Sun Health’s Diabetes Self-Management program, accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Educators, helps individuals with diabetes learn how to manage their disease through healthy eating, regular physical activity, medication management, problem-solving, coping skills, self-monitoring of blood glucose levels and preventing or managing diabetes-related complications.
The program is taught by a certified diabetes educator who also is a registered dietitian, and an exercise physiologist who also is a certified health coach. Instructors use evidence-based information, coaching and support to help individuals take control of their diabetes.
DSME is covered by Medicare and most insurances. A physician referral is required to register for the program. Physician referral and completed paperwork are due 5 business days prior to the class start date. To register or for more information, call (623) 832-WELL (9355).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, patient education and self-care practices have been shown to help people with diabetes stay healthy.
Sun Health has held 10, eight-week DSME sessions since the Center for Health & Wellbeing opened last March. More than 81 percent of DSME participants reported an improvement in healthy eating, while more than 64 percent reported an increase in physical activity. Participants also saw a decrease in their hemoglobin A1c results, indicating their blood sugars were better controlled after they completed the DSME program. Hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c, is a blood test used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.
To learn more about Sun Health’s Center for Health & Wellbeing’s DSME program, please visit http://sunhealthwellbeing.org/diabetes-management/. Thank you!
