Diabetes is a disease that changes over time. With each change comes the need for new knowledge, skills and adjustments in your management plan. Being proactive when changes occur keeps you on track to maintain your overall health. Diabetes care and education specialists help you navigate the seas of uncertainty and help steer you in the right direction when it comes to making decisions that affect your daily life with diabetes.
Whether you are new to having diabetes or have had it for years, our team works with you to design a management plan tailored to your lifestyle, culture and beliefs.
When should I be referred?
It's never a bad time to book an appointment with a diabetes care and education specialist, but there are a few times in your life when seeing one is especially important:
- When you are first diagnosed with diabetes.
- At least once a year following your diabetes diagnosis.
- When you are struggling to meet your care goals.
- When complicating factors arise, such as a recent hospitalization.
- During changes in your life and care.
- When starting a new medication, especially insulin.
Labette Health offers diabetes and prediabetes education and support at our main campus and Independence Healthcare Center. Services vary by location, day and time. Many insurance plans and Medicare cover these services with a provider referral. Check with your plan for any out-of-pocket costs. If you're uninsured or your plan doesn't cover outpatient diabetes education, contact us, and we will be happy to assist you.
Diabetes self-management education and support classes
Diabetes group provides an opportunity to meet with a health provider and a health educator. This type of visit is centered around you and your need to manage your diabetes in an efficient and satisfying way.
About the classes
Each six-week course is structured around seven diabetes self-care behaviors, known as the ADCES7-Self-Care Behaviors. The weekly sessions last an hour and a half to two hours and include:
- Educational speakers and materials.
- Learn how other people cope with diabetes.
- Food demonstrations in our teaching kitchen.
- Learner-centered discussions.
Labette Health’s diabetes program is accredited by the American Diabetes Association.
Diabetes self-care behaviors include:
- Healthy eating.
- Being active.
- Monitoring.
- Taking medication.
- Problem solving.
- Reducing risks.
- Healthy coping.