You need knowledge to manage your diabetes well. The more you know the healthier you’ll be. And there’s so much to learn, from how your medicines work, to what to eat, to proper foot care. The list goes on! Here’s the what, who and where on diabetes education.
WHAT? Diabetes education is not just a one hour counseling session, a series of classes, or thumbing through a wad of pamphlets produced by companies with diabetes products and handed to you by your health care provider. Diabetes education is an ongoing long-term process that enables you to master the juggling act between diabetes and your daily life. If you were just diagnosed with diabetes, search for a diabetes class or a diabetes educator. In a diabetes class you should learn about meal planning, medicines, and how to check your blood glucose levels and interpret your results. You should also learn how to set goals to make necessary lifestyle changes and set a few. Perhaps one of the most beneficial aspects of being in class is that you get to meet other people with diabetes. Beyond a diabetes class, you should meet individually with a diabetes educator or a group of diabetes educators with varying expertise to learn to mesh your lifestyle with the demands of diabetes.
WHO? A diabetes educator may be a nurse, dietitian, counselor, or pharmacist. Educators usually teach classes and counsel people individually. They may work in a hospital, health care providers office, managed care facility, or in a pharmacy. Many diabetes educators take a test to become a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). Locate a diabetes educator through the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE). Call 800-TEAMUP4 (832-6874) or go on the AADE’s website at www.aadenet.org and click on find a diabetes educator.
WHERE? The American Diabetes Association approves diabetes education programs that apply for “Recognition“ and then prove their quality. Find one or more of the nearly 2000 programs in your area call 800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or go on the ADA’s website at www.diabetes.org. Note: if you are a Part B Medicare beneficiary, these are the only programs you can attend that Medicare will reimburse, these are the only programs you can attend that Medicare will reimburse. Call the program to determine if you are eligible.
HOW OFTEN? Most people need more education and support when they are diagnosed. However, an ongoing relationship with a diabetes educator or diabetes education program is a sure bet for success. Consider several follow-up visits during the first year and, at least, yearly visits thereafter. If you are eligible, Medicare Part B now covers two hours annually for diabetes education and two hours annually for nutrition education.
WHO PAYS? It depends on your health coverage and the laws that impact your health plan. Today, nearly every state has a law that requires private insurance policies and HMOs to pay for diabetes education. Call 800-DIABETES or go to www.diabetes.org and click on advocacy to check if your stat has a law.
