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Live Well with Diabetes

Diabetes Self-Management Education Classes

Managing diabetes involves so much more than simply taking a pill. Our self-management classes explain how diabetes affects the body and what behavior and lifestyle changes can help manage the condition. Health educators who specialize in diabetes teach what diabetes is, how to monitor blood glucose, proper nutrition, exercise, medications, goal setting and stress management. Classes are offered as one full day or a series of four weekly sessions, and are taught in English or Spanish, face to face and online.

Class Topics

  • What is diabetes? - This topic would cover the basics of diabetes, including its types (Type 1, Type 2,
    gestational diabetes), causes, symptoms, and how it affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar
    levels.
  • Blood glucose monitoring - This topic involves teaching individuals how to measure their blood glucose
    levels using tools like glucometers. It covers the importance of monitoring, understanding target ranges, and how to interpret the results.
  • Carbohydrate counting - Carbohydrate counting is a crucial skill for people with diabetes, especially for
    those who use insulin. This topic involves understanding how carbohydrates impact blood sugar levels,
    how to estimate carbohydrate content in meals, and how insulin doses are calculated based on carb
    intake.
  • Meal planning - Meal planning involves creating balanced and nutritious meals that help manage blood
    sugar levels. This topic covers portion control, selecting healthy food choices, distributing carbohydrates throughout the day, and managing protein and fats.
  • How to read food labels - Reading food labels is essential for making informed dietary choices. This topic teaches individuals how to interpret nutritional information on food labels, especially focusing on
    carbohydrates and sugars
  • Medication and insulin administration - This topic covers various diabetes medications, including insulin. It educates individuals about the different types of insulin, how to administer injections or use insulin pumps, and the importance of adhering to prescribed medication regimens
  • Preventing diabetes complications -  Diabetes can lead to various complications if not managed properly. This topic discusses potential complications, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney problems, and cardiovascular issues. It emphasizes the importance of blood sugar control and a healthy lifestyle to minimize these risks.
  • Exercise - Regular physical activity is beneficial for managing diabetes. This topic covers the positive
    effects of exercise on blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. It also
    discusses how to plan safe and effective exercise routines

Follow-up support

After class, participants are scheduled for a four and eight months follow up visit to assess progress and provide ongoing support along a journey to improved health.

Class Locations

Alice

2500 E. Main St.
Alice, TX 78332
361.592.3590, Ext 11

Bay City

Vibrance Health
101 Avenue F
979.285.1990

Beeville

CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital
1500 E. Houston St.
361.886.3014

Corpus Christi

Amistad Community Health Center
1533 S. Brownlee Blvd.
Corpus Christi, TX 78404
361.886.3022

CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Hector P. Garcia Memorial Family Health Center
2606 Hospital Blvd.
Corpus Christi, TX 78405
361.902.6230

Compassionate Care Medical Clinic
1660 S. Staples Suite 100
361.500.0122

Mission of Mercy Clinic
2421 Ayers St.
361.883.5500, Ext. 11

Cuero

Cuero Regional Hospital
2505 N. Esplanade St.
361.226.4016

Hallettsville

Lavaca Medical Center
1400 N. Texana St.
361.226.4016

Kingsville

Judge Pete DeLaGarza Courthouse Annex
100 West King Ave
Kingsville, TX 78363
361.592.3590

Lake Jackson

St. Luke's Health Brazosport Hospital
Information Systems Department
100 Medical Drive
979.285.1990

Port Lavaca

Memorial Medical Center
814 N. Virginia St.
361.266.4016

Robstown

CHRISTUS Family Health Center
1038 Texas Yes Blvd.

Victoria

Citizens Medical Center
2701 Hospital Dr.
361.226.4016

De Tar Medical Plaza North & Conference Center
110 Medical Drive
361.226.4016

Texas A&M Coastal Bend Health Education Center
5206 Navarro St. Suite 100
361.226.4016

Victoria County Public Health Department
2805 N. Navarro St.
361.226.4016

*Class days and times are subject to change

To Register

Please call 866-524-1408 or register online.

Pre-registration for class is recommended, please call the Toll-free Phone Number: 1-866-524-1408 to schedule an appointment

 

A1c Health Champions

Some participants of our Diabetes Education Program have shown exceptional results in their blood sugar levels by applying what they have learned in our classes to their everyday lives. Read how these A1c health champions have made their lives better by taking control of their diabetes.