If you are living with diabetes, you likely have many questions and concerns. Managing diabetes requires teamwork. It’s important for your team to include a diabetes educator to assist you in understanding the disease, along with the components of monitoring and management. The goal is to fit diabetes into your life instead of living your life around your diabetes.

Diabetes can be challenging to manage because it requires learning about all aspects of the disease while making many lifestyle adjustments. The diabetes educator is instrumental towards successful management; whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for a long time.

The Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center offers a variety of individual and group education programs for people with Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. Your needs determine what program will be the best choice for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Diabetes Education:

Q. Why should I see a diabetes educator?
A. A diabetes educator can assess your specific needs and provide practical solutions about medication, blood sugar testing, diet and exercise to help you achieve a healthy lifestyle. The information and support will help you become more confident and independent in managing your diabetes. Meetings with a diabetes educator may be one-on-one or in a group setting.

Q. Will my insurance cover the cost of diabetes education?
Medicare does provide coverage. Individuals need to check their private insurance plans to determine if they have coverage for diabetes self management education and medical nutrition therapy.

Q. Are people who attend diabetes education classes healthier than those who do not?
A. Studies repeatedly show that people who attend diabetes education classes have fewer Emergency Department visits, fewer hospitalizations, decreased hospital stays and significantly decreased incidence of diabetes complications such as heart disease, blindness, amputation and kidney disease.

Q. Do I need a physician’s referral for diabetes education?
A. Yes, a written physician referral is required for classes with the diabetes nurse educator and the dietitian.

Q. How do I find a diabetes educator?
A. Talk with your physician, or call Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center at 216.529.5300.

Lakewood Hospital’s Diabetes Education program holds the prestigious Education Recognition Certificate from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to recognize quality diabetes education.

Click here to learn more about Lakewood Hospital's Diabetes and Endocrine Center.