Diabetes Education and Self-Management Support at UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence
Our diabetes education program covers a wide variety of topics including diet, exercise, insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, diabetic medication and more. The UMass Diabetes Center of Excellence is recognized by the American Diabetes Association in accordance with the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs.
Benefits of diabetes education
Where should you begin? What should you expect from diabetes education appointments or workshops?
Mapping your individual plan to control blood glucose
Our diabetes education workshops provide information, motivation and support. Conversation Maps® are used to help with lifestyle changes such as nutrition, taking medication, staying physically active, plus other important aspects of living with diabetes.
Insurance coverage for diabetes education
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover up to 10 hours of diabetes education the first year of diagnosis. Medicare also pays for 2 hours of yearly follow-up. Commercial insurance offer similar benefits. Contact your insurance provider for specific diabetic coverage information.
MONTHLY DIABETES EDUCATION WORKSHOPS
Diabetes 101: The Art of Managing Diabetes
This introductory workshop is ideal if you've recently been diagnosed or have never met with a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). Conversation Maps® are used to cover a wide variety of diabetes self-management topics.
Basic Carbohydrate Counting
Nutrition label reading and carb counting tools & resources to help you plan consistent carbohydrate meals. Learn how to make educated diabetic healthy eating choices in a variety of settings.
Advanced Carbohydrate Counting
Gain flexibility in the amount of carbohydrates you eat, without a negative effect on your blood glucose control. Learn to match insulin doses to carb intake and blood glucose levels. This workshop will help you maximize carb ratios and sensitivity factors.
Heart Healthy Meal Planning
Changing what & how much you eat can make a big difference in your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Learn to identify good vs bad fats, cholesterol, salt and more.
“Insulin Pumping….Is it Right For You?"
This workshop is for people who inject insulin several times each day and are interested in learning about insulin pump therapy to replace multiple daily shots.
Contact us for details or to get started
These monthly workshops are offered at the Ambulatory Care Center on the University Campus of UMass Memorial Health Care. Ask your care team or Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist for a referral.
For more information email cheryl.barry@umassmemorial.org or call (508) 334-3206.
