Classes & Resources
The diabetes team at OSF Saint James is here to help with all of your diabetes education needs. Our team will teach you what diabetes is, how to best manage it, and strategies for coping with your diagnosis.
We provide professional medical management in cooperation with your physician to prevent complications and ensure the best care.
Our diabetes education programs have been recognized for meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education by the American Diabetes Association since 2002.
Classes & Events
Diabetes Today
Our "Diabetes Today" program is a sequenced series of two classes, three hours in length, which provides information and training on self-managing diabetes and lifestyle changes. Participants receive the foundation for managing and monitoring blood glucose, medications, meals and activity. Educators offer practical suggestions for meal planning, setting goals for weight, activity and lifestyle change, how to handle a sick day, care for your feet, eyes, cholesterol and much more.
Living on the Border
Patients with pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as full-blown diabetes, can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes that include diet and physical activity. Participants in our "Living on the Border" program receive a blood glucose meter and carbohydrate counting information.
Diabetes Support Group
Led by diabetes educators, this group meets regularly on the first Tuesday evening of the month at 7 p.m. in the conference room(s) at the medical center. Featured guest speakers include physicians, dietitians, exercise therapists, pharmacists and even persons successful with managing their own diabetes. These meetings are free and open to anyone.
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Individual Education
In addition to our classes, we may also arrange individual education sessions with an educator or dietician. These sessions may be appropriate for persons with special needs, preparing for insulin pump therapy, or who is starting on insulin. Your physician will make the referral for these sessions. Oftentimes, individual session serve as a follow up to classes, so specific areas of diabetes management can be addressed and individualized for the patients needs.
Patient Resources
To learn more about diabetes including the different types, symptoms, and treatments, please browse our library of patient resources below.