Diabetes Education

Learn How to Manage Diabetes & Prevent Complications

Our Diabetes Education Program has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association since 1994. The program teaches diabetes management, which might include lifestyle changes, oral medications, or injections.

Contact our team today at (217) 466-4228.
Or request an appointment online.

The education program also offers the following services:

• Diabetic screenings (cholesterol and blood sugar)
• Education with certified professionals
• Nutrition counseling
• Diabetic wound care

Our team at Horizon Health will combine efforts with your healthcare provider to provide you with the most effective diabetes management strategies.

What is Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)?

It provides an evidence-based foundation to empower people with diabetes to navigate self-management decisions and activities.

Topics covered in DSMES sessions:

• Pathophysiology of diabetes/pre-diabetes – Explains what is happening in your body
• Healthy eating – Teaches how to read a nutrition label and count grams of carbohydrates
• Physical activity – Discusses the positive effects exercise has on blood sugars and helps patients develop a lifestyle plan
• Medication – Discusses treatment options; how they work, side-effects, etc.
• Monitoring – Provides education about finger sticks, continuous glucose monitoring, blood sugar goals
• Explains preventing, detecting, and treatment of acute and chronic complications (low blood sugar, kidney damage, retinopathy, neuropathy, etc.)
• Healthy coping & psychosocial skills
• Diabetes distress & support
• MNT (Medical Nutrition Therapy) if you need to see a dietician

Who can benefit from a diabetes education program?

• Anyone who has been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes
• Anyone who is new to injection therapy
• Anyone who wants to learn about consistent carbohydrate intake and reading nutrition labels
• Anyone who needs help troubleshooting diabetic medications, including cost and insurance coverage

Program accomplishments

In 2022, the average A1c reduction in our Diabetes Education Program was 0.99%. One patient reduced their A1c by 6.9% (from 13.2% to 6.3% in 3 months), the largest individual reduction in 2022.

Podcasts

Diabetes – Part 1

Leighsa Cornwell, RN, certified diabetes educator, discusses the prevalence of diabetes in children. The discussion includes how to stay well if you are diabetic, including the complications to watch for.

Diabetes – Part 2 (food)

Leighsa Cornwell, RN, certified diabetes educator, discusses food and the importance of knowing what you're putting into your body.

Diabetes – Part 3

Leighsa Cornwell, RN, certified diabetes educator, discusses pre-diabetes, levels of care, and resources available. The discussion includes children and the foods to avoid.