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Diabetes Self-Management FAQ's
- What is Diabetes Self-Management Education?
Diabetes educators focus on seven key behaviors that promote successful self-management. Called AADE 7 Self-Care Behaviors, they are:
Healthy Eating - Making healthy food choices, understanding portion sizes, and learning about the meal times that are the most appropriate to managing your diabetes. With the right food selections, children and teenagers can grow and develop as though unhindered by diabetes. Adults, by controlling their weight, may be able to manage their condition for a time without medications.
Being Active - Regular activity is important for overall fitness, weight management, and blood sugar control. A diabetes educator, working in conjunction with your healthcare provider, can help you develop an enjoyable and personally appropriate exercise plan.
Monitoring - It's critical that you monitor your blood sugar on a daily basis. A diabetes educator can help you determine which meter best meets your needs, show you how to properly test your blood sugar, and instruct you on how to use the results to adjust your self-management routine.
Taking Medication - Diabetes is a progressive condition that may require medication adjustments. Diabetes educators can help you understand how your medications work, when they should be taken, and can show you how to inject insulin.
Problem Solving - Knowing how to adjust for changing blood sugar levels is vital to managing diabetes. Diabetes educators can give you the tools to recognize and respond to unanticipated situations of low and high blood sugar and sick days.
Reducing Risks - Having diabetes puts you at risk for a multitude of related complications. People with diabetes need regular eye, foot, and dental exams. They also need to avoid behaviors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can increase the risk for other complications. Diabetes educators can help you understand these risks, and can refer you to medical providers for treatment of diabetes related complications.
Healthy Coping - Diabetes educators can help you identify difficulties you may face while living with your diabetes. They can provide support by encouraging you to talk about your concerns and fears, can help you learn what you can control, and can offer ways for you to cope with those factors out of your control.
Regardless of the situation, diabetes educators give you the strategies and support you need to successfully live iwth your diabetes...and the potential to live your life to the fullest.
- What is a CDE?
A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the care and education of people with diabetes. Working as a team with the referring physician, the educator and client develop a personalized plan of care to meet the client's goals. To earn the Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) credential, a healthcare professional is required to have considerable experience, pass a rigorous national exam and undergo continuous education. Diabetes educators work in a variety of settings. You may see them in hospitals teaching group classes or working with patients individually. They may also be found in doctors' offices, pharmacies, home health agencies, neighborhood clinics, or in private practice.
- How can a CDE help me?
Diabetes educators realize that diabetes is a very personal disease. By getting to know you as an individual, they can work with you to create a self-management plan that meets your needs - one based on your age, school or work schedule, as well as your daily activities, family demands, eating habits, and health problems.
- Can I bring my family?
Diabetes educators also understand that successful diabetes management is a team effort. Family, friends or any person in a supportive role is encouraged to join you for your consultations or classes.
- Does my insurance cover my sessions?
Many insurance companies will cover Diabetes Self-Management Education with a physician's referral (prescription). If you have an HMO you will need preauthorization obtained by your physician's office. You may want to contact your insurance company to determine coverage. You must obtain a physician's referral for us to bill your insurance.
- What is accepted for payment?
Direct billing to insurance is available at time of registration. Payment is due in full at time of service for those paying "out of pocket". Cash, check, or credit cards are accepted. A cash discount is available for those without insurance coverage.
- How do I schedule an appointment?
First ask your physician to refer you to Doctors Medical Center Diabetes Self-Management Education program. (Referrals can be faxed to 510-970-5739.) To schedule an appointment please call 510-970-5344, or email ttaylor@dmc-sp.org. Appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday, and evening classes are available.
- How do I cancel an appointment?
Appointments must be cancelled 24 hours in advance or you will be responsible for payment. You can cancel by calling 510-970-5344, or by emailing ttaylor@dmc-sp.org.
- Do you offer any free programs?
We have a free monthly Diabetes Support Group, co-sponsored by the American Diabetes Association. We have a guest speaker each month to provide current information. Examples of speakers include cardiologists, optometrists, registered dietitians, psychologists and people with diabetes. No registration or physician referral is needed. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm in the Vale Conference Room C at the Doctors Medical Center San Pablo (2000 Vale Road). For more information please call 510-970-5344, or email ttaylor@dmc-sp.org.
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