Virtual Diabetes Education
Description
Sessions held weekly via Zoom.
Week 1: Diabetes Basics
- What is Diabetes
- Why check and track my glucose? What is my target?
- What is low blood sugar and how to treat (rule of 15)
- Glucose Finger stick vs A1c lab vs Continuous Glucose Monitor
Discuss with your provider:
Prescription for monitoring supplies. Current vs goal A1c.
Week 2: Impact of Nutrition
- Carbohydrates: what foods contain them how much to consume
- Label reading/grocery shopping
- Benefit of fiber
- Importance of adequate protein
- Eating at restaurants and snacking
- Weight management
Discuss with your provider:
Pre vs 2 hrs post-meal glucose observations. Referral to Wellness for information on TFH Cooking Club program
Week 3: Power of Exercise and Nutrition Trends
- How exercise influences blood sugars
- Kinds of exercise to include. How much/how long.
- Foot care
- Stress/anxiety/mental health
- Pros and cons of nutrition trends
Discuss with your provider:
Referral to Wellness for Cardiac Rehab and/or Physical Therapy if appropriate
Week 4: Diabetes Medications & Supplies
- How different classes of medications work
- Things to know about your diet around taking DM medications
- Metformin with food to reduce GI
- Sulphonylurea with food/risk for lows
- Adequate hydration on SGLT-2, HOLD if acutely ill. Renal and cardiac benefit
- Insulin types, storage, site rotation
- Deep dive on preventing malnutrition if on GLP-1
- Adequate protein
- Monitoring anemia, fiber, hydration
- Sick days
Discuss with your provider:
Your DM medication mix and need for refills. Another DM medication you think may be of benefit to you, is it appropriate/covered by your insurance
Extra Week
Months with 5th Thursdays, an “extra” session may be created based on participant interests/questions • Complications of uncontrolled DM, Routine appointments: feet, eyes, dental, shots
