Diabetes

Diabetes program certified by the American Diabetes Association

Our commitment is to provide individuals living with diabetes with the training and knowledge they need to take charge of their well-being. We provide Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) programs. Our program recently received renewed re-certification from the American Diabetes Association in accordance with the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs.

We received our initial certification in 1996. Since that time, we have continued to set the bar high for excellence in diabetes training and self-management. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you owe it to yourself to learn as much as you can about this condition so you can enjoy full quality of life and health. Our team is here to empower you with the information you need to live well with diabetes.

Does your doctor want you to check your blood glucose levels? Here's how.

Am I at risk for developing diabetes?

Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S., affecting approximately 30.3 million individuals in the United States. Of this number, experts estimate that half do not know they have diabetes. If you identify with one or more of the following risk factors, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to have your blood sugar checked as soon as possible:

A family history of diabetes.
African-American, Hispanic, Asian-American or Native American heritage.
Suffer from obesity.
Have delivered a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds.
Were diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Have high blood pressure (over 130/80).
Have an HDL cholesterol level lower than 35 mg/dl or a triglyceride level over 250 mg/dl.
Have any of the symptoms of diabetes listed below.

Symptoms of diabetes include:

Frequent infections.
Confusion/disorientation.
Slow healing wounds.
Increased thirst.
Increased appetite.
Frequent urination.
Feelings of fatigue, exhaustion.
Blurry vision.

The person who has diabetes is the one who has to control it.

Your first visit: what to expect

On your first appointment, a registered nurse or registered dietitian will assess your information, listen to your medical history, and provide a complete evaluation based on this data. At that point, you can enroll in group classes where we will develop an individualized meal plan and education based around your needs. Appointments are offered both in person and via Zoom.

The classes we offer include the following:

Putting the Pieces Together. This self-management training program is designed to help patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes understand their conditions and take steps toward managing their diabetes. Topics covered include the diabetes disease process, medications, monitoring, physical activity, healthy eating, reducing diabetes complications, psychosocial aspects of diabetes, goal setting, and more. A referral from the provider treating your diabetes is required.
Baby and Me. This program offers group classes or individual counseling for women who develop diabetes during pregnancy. You will need your OB-GYN to refer you to this class.
Medical Nutrition Therapy Work. One-on-one with a registered dietitian to help improve health conditions through nutrition and dietary choice. Anyone with a diagnosis of diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, celiac disease, chronic kidney disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or a need for weight management can be referred to this program by their physician. Insurance coverage varies.
Prediabetes Training. This is for people with impaired glucose tolerance, metabolic syndrome or anyone with risk factors for developing diabetes. A referral from a primary healthcare provider is needed. Insurance coverage varies.
Childhood Obesity. A registered dietitian works with children to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Your primary healthcare provider must refer you to this service.

Working toward wellness as a team

A team approach is used to assist all people enrolled for DSMT. The team includes the participant, primary healthcare provider, nurse and dietitian. Instructors are registered nurses and dietitians who have had special training or who are certified diabetes care and education specialists. Upon completion of a program, the participant will demonstrate a thorough understanding of diabetes and what is necessary to manage their condition. Within 6 months following completion of the training, participants are contacted to discuss goals, progress and concerns. Communication with the primary healthcare provider is maintained during the entire training process.

Support Group

Virtual Support Groups are offered once a month via Zoom. These free support meetings are open to all people with prediabetes, diabetes and support persons. Visit our calendar to see the monthly topics and to register for a meeting.

Contact the Diabetes Program

There are charges for some of our services. Participants may qualify for coverage through Medicare, Medicaid or third-party health insurance. We also offer financial assistance for low-income participants in our DSMT and MNT programs.

Our Corporate Health program offers on-site diabetes education specific to managing diabetes with confidence.

Iredell Health System's Diabetes Program is located at the Iredell Wellness Center, 285 N. Main St., Suite D, Troutman. Contact us for more information at 704.878.4556.