There is no known cure for diabetes, a chronic disease where the body does not produce or properly use insulin, which is needed to convert food into energy. However, the good news is that by learning how to manage your diabetes, you can enjoy a long and active life. At The Chester County Hospital, we firmly believe that education is the most important component to the management of diabetes. Our self-management programs are a proven way to help individuals care for and control their diabetes.

The Chester County Hospital has one of the most comprehensive diabetes instructional programs in the region. Recognized for excellence by the American Association of Diabetes Educators, our classes instruct individuals on how to self-manage diabetes with proper nutrition, carbohydrate counting, medication, exercise and home blood sugar tests. Classes are available for individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes.

At the core of the Diabetes Self-Management Program is a four-week educational course called Diabetes Basics. The course is for individuals with newly diagnosed with or uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes. This program reviews basic diabetes management principles and includes the following:

• A personalized food plan, reviewed weekly
• Blood glucose testing instruction
• Weekly blood sugar evaluations
• Follow-up report sent to your doctor
• Annual follow-up consultation
• Access to trained personnel to assist with management issues

For individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes on multiple daily injections or those who are on an insulin pump, a four-week educational program call Intensive Insulin Management Training is available. Throughout this program participants will learn to minimize the high and low blood sugar readings often associated with insulin-requiring diabetes. Individuals will learn how to match insulin to food intake, allowing for better glucose control with greater flexibility.

The management of diabetes is a continual process and dealing with the life changes and challenges that come along with it can at times be discouraging. Free Diabetes Support Groups are also available to individuals with diabetes who are looking for support, education and camaraderie with others going through similar experiences. These support groups require no pre-registration. Use the contact information below to learn about upcoming meetings.

Support groups include:

• Diabetes Support Group

Our comprehensive programs also include the following individualized services:

• Gestational diabetes management
• Pre-diabetes management
• Medical nutrition therapy/nutrition counseling
• Weight management
• Insulin, Byetta or Symlin
• Insulin pump training
• Insulin pump download with evaluation of pump settings
• Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with evaluation
• Basics or Intensive Management Program follow-up consultations

Achievement
The Diabetes Self-Management Program achieved accreditation by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE). This accreditation recognizes that the program meets all national standards for diabetes self-management education and provides education programs that easily track and maintain patient progress.

For information regarding the cancellation of wellness classes or programs, visit Cancellation Policies: Payment/Weather.

Last Updated: 7/19/2011