Diabetes Management
Regional Medical Center's Diabetes Education Program began in 2004 with a commitment to serve Eastern Iowans with diabetes. Staff believed that the person with diabetes had the right to knowledge about their health and disease. We still honor that commitment today.
The Diabetes Education Program utilizes a team-based approach to diabetes management. Staff includes a nurse and dietitian working with each individual and their physician to facilitate the common goal of successful diabetes management. Data collected in our program shows those enrolled in our various programs can lower their blood sugar significantly.
The Diabetes Education Program provides services Monday through Friday. The Diabetes Education Program has received national recognition by the American Diabetes Association* and state certification from the Department of Public Health and the Department of Human Services.
*The American Diabetes Associate recognizes this education service as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.
Contact
A physician referral is required for those wanting to participate in the education program. Family members are welcome as their help can be essential in supporting any lifestyle changes.
Please click here to see information regarding the next scheduled class.
Your insurance may cover the cost of the program.
For more information, call 563-927-7357 or 563-927-7430.
Diabetes News
It is a challenge to make healthy lifestyle choices. The quarterly Diabetes News will provide tips on healthy food choices, suggestions on increasing activity, and information on basic diabetes care. Look forward to a seasonal recipe in each issue, as well as upcoming events.
If you would like to receive our newsletter electronically, please send an e-mail to mrausch@regmedctr.org.
Diabetes Programs
Diabetes Self Management (type 2 non-insulin dependent)
Small group, multiple sessions for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Gain knowledge about diabetes, healthy eating, benefits of physical activity, diabetes medications, and home blood glucose monitoring.
Insulin Starts and Insulin Adjustments
A program for individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes requiring insulin therapy. Individual sessions provide information from "just getting started" to "advanced" levels.
Gestational (diabetes found during pregnancy)
Individual multiple session program for women diagnosed with "pregnancy related" diabetes. This program focuses on proper nutrition and monitoring to help support safe pregnancies and healthy babies.
Pre-Diabetes
Program for persons with pre-diabetes, a condition that comes before diabetes. Adults can prevent diabetes with lifestyle changes. Participants gain information about pre-diabetes, healthy eating, and activity.
Diabetes Update
Free program with helpful information for individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes and their family members.
Unique Program Aspects
- Improved diabetes management through nursing and nutrition consultation, blood glucose self monitoring, and medication management. (if applicable)
- Team approach; nurse and dietitian educators.
- Better linkage between the patient's primary medical care and diabetes educators; including routine updates to patient's personal physician. (if applicable)
- Flexible scheduling, easy, convenient classes, and counseling sessions by appointment.
- Group settings where you can learn from one another through life experiences.
- Programs involve three to five sessions over a one to three month period, depending on the program.
- Each follow-up session builds on your previous knowledge and skills and helps you evaluate how your treatment plan is working.
Program Instructors
- Joan Wessels, RN, BSN, CDE, Nurse Educator
- Cara L. Recker, Dietitian, RD, LD, CNSC, CDE