The Diabetes Center at Mission offers a program of patient education and support which has been awarded continued recognition from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The program was originally recognized in March 1994. The prestigious Certificate of Recognition identifies this education service as meeting the national standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.
While we do provide diabetes education to patients during their hospital stay, most of our programs are offered on an outpatient basis. Available services and resources include:
- Diabetes Self-Care Course
- Topic-Specific Self-Management Training which focuses on a particular area of self-care
- Gestational Diabetes course for women who have diabetes during pregnancy
- Support groups for adults, and for parents of children who have diabetes
- Community outreach, including health fairs, community and civic group presentations and special events such as cooking demonstrations
- Insulin Pump Course for individuals beginning insulin pump therapy
- Pediatric program for children with diabetes and their families
- An illustrated cookbook
The Diabetes Center programs are provided by a team of educators which includes nurses, dietitians, a pharmacist and a behaviorist/certified clinical social worker. Most staff members have achieved national certification as Certified Diabetes Educators. Other medical professionals who can assist our patients, such as our colleagues at the Wound Therapy Center, provide services for many of our patients as well. If you are hospitalized at the time your physician makes a referral to The Diabetes Center, you may receive a visit from one of our visitor volunteers. These special volunteers lead active lives with diabetes and offer support by sharing their experiences with you.
Diabetes Self-Care Course
The Self-Care Course at Mission's Health Education Center consists of a series of small group classes that meet weekly. Our caring educators give you the information you need to manage your diabetes and make successful self-care decisions. You'll learn about your own particular type of diabetes (and other types), and such topics as:
- How monitoring your blood glucose level can become a normal part of your daily routine
- How the medicine used for diabetes works in your body
- How to balance nutrition and meal planning
- Proper foot care
- The role of exercise in managing diabetes
- The effect of stress on your blood glucose level and how you can manage the stresses in your life
Topic-Specific Self-Management Training
Individual consultation is also available regarding any topic related to diabetes self-care. We understand how important it is to have the support of those around you as you learn to make the necessary lifestyle and behavioral changes to help manage your diabetes; therefore, we encourage family members and friends to attend all of our educational sessions.
Gestational Diabetes Course
These small group consultations include:
- Overview of gestational diabetes
- How to monitor blood glucose levels and what the targets are
- How to balance nutrition and meal planning
Each participant is provided with a loaner blood glucose meter for use during their pregnancy.
Support Groups
Cornerstone is a support group for adults with diabetes. Meetings include an education component as well as a time of sharing for the participants. Below are details about the Cornerstone group meetings:
- Day: second Thursday of each month
- Time: 4:30-6:00 p.m.
- Location: Biltmore Center (445 Biltmore), 2nd floor, in Mission Conference Room
- Registration: None required
- Note: Friends and family members are also welcome
For more information, contact Scott and Meg Olmstead at (828) 779-6306.
Sweet Revenge is a support group for parents of children with diabetes. Meetings of this support group are scheduled periodically through the year with the annual highlight being our popular Halloween Party. For more information about this group call the Diabetes Center at 828-213-4634.
Insulin Pump Training
For individuals who are beginning to use an insulin pump, Mission's Diabetes Center offers a unique training program that consists of three half-day group sessions. On the first day of the program, participants learn about the mechanics of the pump and connect to a saline (salt) solution. During the weekend they have the opportunity to practice using their pump. When they return on Monday, they begin using insulin in their pumps. During the remainder of the program, information is provided on carbohydrate counting, insulin adjustments for activity, stress and/or illness, and other important aspects of self-care with a pump.
Pediatric Program
Most children who are newly diagnosed with diabetes are admitted to the hospital for their initial diabetes medical care and education. Educators from the Diabetes Center provide the intensive education that enables the child and their family to learn the required skills to go home safely. Following hospitalization, additional appointments in the outpatient office are scheduled to continue self-care education. The appointments and care are often coordinated with the physician who is managing the child's diabetes.
The parents' support group, Sweet Revenge, sponsors a popular annual Halloween party for children with diabetes. For more information about this group, see the "support groups" section above.
Cookbook for Individuals with Diabetes
Mission's Diabetes Center has published a cookbook for individuals with diabetes. The colorful Healthy Inspirations cookbook can be ordered by mail for $25 (includes shipping and handling) from: Cookbook, The Diabetes Center, 445 Biltmore Avenue, Suite 203, Asheville, NC 28801-4529. Proceeds are used to support our summer camp for children with diabetes, Camp WeCanDo.
For further information about Mission Hospital's Health Education Center,
e-mail your questions to Stephanie.Kiser@msj.org.
