DIABETES CARE CENTER AT LIVEWELL 

What is Diabetes Self-Management Education*?

Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) is a formal education program that is proven to help individuals with diabetes to gain control and to take charge of their diabetes. DSME provides the tools and knowledge needed to manage diabetes properly. Experts agree that persons who receive formal diabetes education have fewer health problems and improve their overall well-being than those who don't.  

Group or Individual Sessions

Class program or individual sessions are available, according to individual needs. Instruction is provided by a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), Registered Nurse and a Registered Dietitian, all who have experience in the specialized field of diabetes.

 -Topics include common issues like:

-Eating for success with an individualized meal plan

-How to use your medications to gain control

-Insulin instruction when indicated

-Blood sugar goals, when to test, and understanding glucose patterns

-What to do for low blood sugar and how to prevent it

-Benefits of exercise and how weight affects blood sugar

-Preventing complications: Taking care of your eyes, feet, kidneys, and heart

-Cholesterol and blood pressure control

-What if you've had enough? A plan for managing stress 

Symptoms of Diabetes

Common symptoms of high blood sugar levels include, unusual thirst, frequent urination, low energy level, blurry vision, and unexplained weight loss.  If you suspect that you have diabetes, ask your doctor to do a blood test.  

Who should attend a diabetes education program?

Anyone with diabetes who has not received diabetes education during the past year can benefit. Persons who have attended before may return yearly to learn up-to-date information. Whether you were recently told that you have diabetes, or if you have had it for many years, you can benefit from formal diabetes education.  

How much does this cost?

The cost varies with the services that you need. Many insurance policies cover the cost.  We accept Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and private pay. A physician referral is required. For more information, please call 601-288-1780 or email sparham@forrestgeneral.com. 

Additional Services

We offer a full range of services for persons with diabetes, including counseling for diabetes during pregnancy, individual sessions for children or persons with physical limitations, preparation for insulin pump therapy, diabetes support group, cooking demonstrations, and state of the art exercise facility.  Receive discount to Forrest General Wellness following completion of comprehensive DSME program.

 Additional Diabetes Resources:

American Diabetes Association:  www.diabetes.org

American Association of Diabetes Educators:  www.diabeteseducator.org

Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi:               www.msdiabetes.org

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: www.jdrf.org  

For more information about the Diabetes Care Center, please call 601-288-1780.