Diabetes Education

A diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to. With information and support from a team dedicated to you, managing your diabetes and living a healthier life is a very real possibility.

Research shows that individuals who participate in diabetes education have lower A1c, better quality of life, reduced mortality risk, and improved coping. That’s why we’re committed to teaching those in our communities how to prevent and control all types of diabetes—Type I, Type II, Gestational Diabetes, and Prediabetes.

WCHC’s Diabetes Education program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association and certified by the State of Iowa for meeting the national standards for diabetes self-management education. Our variety of services includes group classes, individual education sessions, support groups, and annual follow-up meetings.

Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurances cover 10 hours of diabetes education initially and two hours every year thereafter.

Our Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist will meet with you one-on-one to conduct an assessment to determine your specific needs. During this session, you’ll learn techniques for managing your chronic disease and learn how to live a healthier life. Instructional topics may also include:

• General diabetes overview
• Blood sugar monitoring
• Understanding and preventing complications
• Diabetic emergencies
• Healthy eating and meal planning
• Exercise
• Managing medications
• Insulin pump instruction and management

Group classes provide participants with the skills and support needed to improve their quality of life with Diabetes. Classes are taught by a multidisciplinary team and focus on a range of topics, including goal setting, preventing complications, medications, meal planning, exercise, glucose monitoring, and stress management.

For dates and times, please visit our Events Calendar.

All classes will be held at WCHC in the Community Health and Wellness Center, located through the South Lobby Entrance.

Registration is required. For more information or to sign-up, call the Ken and Rosemary Hanson Specialty Clinic at 319-863-3936.

Having the support of individuals going through a similar lifestyle change can be extremely helpful. Support groups and meetings are free and open to the public.