The goal of the Richland Hospital Diabetes Education program is to empower individuals and their families with knowledge and skills so they can make informed choices to facilitate self-directed behavior change in dealing with this chronic illness.

Get the information you need to control your disease. Learn self-management skills from the diverse group that makes up the diabetes education team.

They include Certified Diabetes Educators:
Ty Mulholland, Registered Dietician (left); Shawn Chitwood, RN, BSN
(Right); Your Primary Care Provider; and a Pharmacist.

Here is what you will learn.

In Class 1, you will learn:

· How diabetes effects your metabolism

· How and when to monitor your blood glucose levels

· How to self-manage you diabetes

· Emergency treatment of low sugars

In Class 2, you will learn:

· Develop personal goals for diabetes management

· Learn food substitutes and label reading

· How exercise and weight loss reduces risks

· Coping skills that will help you meet the daily challenges of living with diabetes

In Class 3, you will learn:

· The health risks that come with diabetes

· Prevention techniques to limit the risks

· What to do when you are ill

· When to call your doctor

· Travel Tips

The success of therapy ultimately depends on the individual attaining their own treatment goals, maintaining good health, and ultimately to reduce the risk of complications that may develop.