At MultiCare, our team of nurses, dietitians and pharmacists specializes in helping those with diabetes effectively manage their health.
Our individual and group diabetes education classes are designed to help you set reasonable goals and create strategies to achieve them. Our programs require a referral from your primary care provider.
How to refer a patient
For instructions on how to refer patients for diabetes management education please visit our referral page.
Our program topics include:
- Blood sugar monitoring (glucose meters provided)
- Signs, symptoms and treatment of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
- Treatment options and diabetes medications
- Preventing complications and foot care
- Physical activity
- Care during illness
- Living with diabetes
An assessment by a registered dietitian provides a personalized meal plan for class participants. The nutritional information of diabetes education includes the following:
- Sugars and sweeteners
- Dining out
- Alcohol
- Label reading
- Weight loss
- Carbohydrates, including “carb counting”
- Protein, fats, cholesterol, fiber and sodium
If you are pregnant, MultiCare’s diabetes program provides services for those with pre-existing diabetes or who have developed gestational diabetes. Learn more about care for high-risk pregnancies.
Medication and device management
Insulin pumps
If you are dependent on insulin therapy, insulin pumps may be the best way to control your blood sugar. Our health care team will discuss how the pump works and how it may benefit you. If you receive an insulin pump, our team will teach you how to use it and how to adjust the settings to best control blood sugar.
Continuous glucose monitoring system
A continuous glucose monitoring system is a device that records your blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. This is done by inserting a tiny glucose sensor just under the skin of your abdomen. The system records your tissue blood glucose every five minutes for up to a week. This information can be helpful for those who are having difficulty balancing insulin, food and activity for optimal blood sugar control. Our staff will provide instruction for how to use the device and use the information to make the necessary self-care changes.
Diabetes medication management
For more information regarding these services through MultiCare Pharmacy, please visit diabetes management services.
Nationally accredited programs
Our programs have received national recognition by the American Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES).