Diabetes Education
According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes affects millions of people, including many people living in Michigan. Diabetes is a condition where your body cannot make insulin or cannot use insulin properly causing high levels of sugar in your blood.
If you have diabetes, it can be challenging to juggle daily activities while making sure you manage your blood sugar. Whether you are new to diabetes or have lived with it for years, our educators will partner with you to help you reach your diabetes management goals.
Excellent Diabetes Education Programs
Bronson has been recognized for its education programs by the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. This means you will receive high quality education and support reflective of the national standards.
Services
Bronson offers many services to help manage your diabetes, including those listed below. We are here to help! Ask your doctor for a referral.
Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)
In-depth diabetes education designed to answer your specific questions and concerns. You may learn about what diabetes is, recommended blood sugar levels, and potential long-term complications of diabetes. You’ll also learn tools for managing your blood sugar including meal planning, diabetes medications, physical activity, problem solving, and healthy coping techniques. Our diabetes educators will help you set small realistic goals to help you manage your diabetes.
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)
Personalized nutrition education provided by a registered dietitian who specializes in diabetes. Learn about how food can affect your blood sugar levels, healthy eating, different meal planning methods, portion control, timing of meals and snacks, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Blood Glucose Monitoring
A diabetes educator will teach you how to check your blood sugar at home using your blood glucose meter. You will learn tips and tricks for getting a good blood sample, how to interpret the results and what to do with your used needles.
Insulin or Other Injectable Training
A diabetes educator will teach you how to give yourself insulin or other injectable diabetes medications. You will learn about the best place on your body to give your injection and what to do with your used needles.
Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Training-Professional Device
A CGM is a device that records your blood sugar levels at regular intervals throughout the day. If your doctor is interested in learning about what your blood sugar levels are all day and night, they may ask you to wear a professional continuous glucose monitor. You will wear a professional CGM device for up to two weeks and the results will be sent to your doctor.
Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Training-Personal Device
If your doctor has prescribed a continuous glucose monitoring device for your personal use, you can meet with a diabetes educator to learn how to use your device to monitor your blood sugar levels.
Insulin Pump Education (Portage Location Only)
An insulin pump is a device used to deliver insulin in a precise way that mimics the pancreas. Whether you have never used an insulin pump or are a long-time user upgrading to a new device, our education team is here to help. We can discuss insulin pump options and will teach you how to use your insulin pump.
Diabetes Cooking Club
Bronson health educators and registered dietitians run a monthly virtual Diabetes Cooking Club class online to help those with diabetes or pre-diabetes learn how to choose and prepare foods that are diabetes-friendly. Learn more and register for these classes by searching "diabetes" here.
Endocrinology Services at Bronson
Diabetes is one of many endocrine disorders. Learn more about endocrinology services at Bronson.
