Diabetes Management Center

In support of our mission to provide Christ-like healing to the community through education, treatment and health services, St. Bernard's offers a comprehensive Diabetes education program that is recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for meeting national quality standards for diabetes education. No other program in this area carries this recognition. To obtain recognition, diabetes programs must meet nationally set standards regarding curriculum and a staff of knowledgeable health professionals.

Diabetes is a disease that is very much controlled by the patient through diet and other lifestyle choices. Therefore, self-management education is an essential component of diabetes treatment. The participant will be taught self-care skills that will promote better management of his or her diabetes treatment regimen, based on individual needs. All approved education programs cover the following topics as needed: diabetes disease process; nutritional management; physical activity; medications; monitoring; preventing; detecting and treating chronic complications through risk reduction, goal setting and problem solving; psychological adjustment; preconception and management during pregnancy, and gestational diabetes management. We also offer Fit Quest for Kidz/Teenz to teach them healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Our staff includes a multidisciplinary team including and Advanced Practice Nurse, RN educator, and a Registered Dietician who is a Certified Diabetic Educator (CDE).

Physician referrals are required. Participants meet one on one with the RN educator and the Registered Dietician. Participants are then encouraged to attend group classes once per week for four weeks. Total of 10 hours of initial education.

The Diabetes Management Center is located at 505 E. Matthews Avenue, Suite 105.

As an additional service, we also have a diabetes support group that is free of charge and open to the public on the second Tuesday night of each month. Various speakers on topics important for diabetics are featured at these meetings. We also offer a quarterly cooking class and a free monthly newsletter that is sent out via email. For more information about the Diabetes Management Center and services offered, please call 870-972-4341.