Diabetes Management
The outpatient diabetes program at Chatham Hospital is committed to excellence in diabetes care. Recognized by the American Diabetes Association, our program uses a team approach to provide adult and adolescent patients and their families with the education and self-management skills needed to better control diabetes and improve their health.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a progressive disease in which the body does not make enough insulin or does not properly use insulin. Diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are too high. The American Diabetes Association diagnoses diabetes as fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, a hemoglobin A1c* ≥ 6.5%, or any random blood sugar over 200 mg/dL with symptoms.
*A1c is a 2-3 month average of your blood sugars.
What are the symptoms of Diabetes?
If you are experiencing more than one of these symptoms, you may have diabetes. Ask your doctor for a blood sugar test.
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
- Losing weight without trying
- Having cuts/sores that are slow to heal
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Frequent urinary track or yeast infections
What does Chatham Hospital's diabetes education program include?
You will learn about:
- Diabetes disease process: pre-diabetes, type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Medication management: oral pills, newest insulins and injectable medicines
- Healthy eating
- Exercise
- Behavior change
- Healthy coping skills
- How to reduce health risks
- Assimilating new knowledge and skills
We offer the following diabetes management programs:
- Pre-diabetes
- Gestational diabetes
- Adolescent and adults
- Insulin pump: Training & Management
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring System: Professional Diagnostic Test (14-day subcutaneous sensor)
Our diabetes education program is located in the Chatham Medical Park behind Chatham Hospital.
A referral is needed from your primary care physician.
Most major insurance companies cover the cost of the program; it is always a good idea to check with your insurance company for confirmation of coverage.
