The Patient Diabetes Education program at the EVMS Strelitz Diabetes Center is recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as meeting the Standards for Quality Diabetes Self-Management (SME). The program offers patients a variety of educational experiences to help manage their diabetes and is provided by an inter-disciplinary team of experienced, certified diabetes educators and an on-site dietitian.

Education is delivered one-on-one for individualized education, tailored to patients’ needs as prescribed by the physician; alternatively, patients may receive a prescription for group classes. Over time, some patients may benefit from both educational experiences.

Group education classes, also approved by the American Diabetes Association, are held once a week at the Strelitz Diabetes Center located at 855 West Brambleton Avenue in Norfolk in the second floor classroom, the Cosmopolitan International room.

Each group session runs for four weeks, beginning each month on the first Thursday. Each session lasts for two hours from 10 a.m. until noon. The series includes basic information on nutrition, exercise, medications, blood sugar monitoring, preventing complications, psychological adjustment to diabetes and how to change behavior and keep motivated.

All classes are taught by Certified Diabetes Educators. Pre-registration is required.

To register, call

Eileen Althouse, RN, MSN, CDE, Education Program Coordinator, at (757) 446-8477.

or

Phyllis Woodson, MS, RD, CDE, Diabetes Nutrition Specialist, at (757) 446-5913.

The sessions are structured as follows:

Medicare will cover 80 percent of the cost of the group session with a doctor's referral. Trigon Blue Cross/Blue Shield also provides coverage. Under federal legislation, other insurance carriers may provide coverage - please check with your insurance carrier to learn more about your diabetes education benefits. It is important to talk to your doctor about a referral to diabetes self-management. The insurance carriers are billed for each participant.

If covered by your insurer, you may still have to pay a small portion of the charge for group classes. If not covered by your insurer, you may have to pay the total cost. However, this will be the best money you have ever spent to take care of your diabetes and improve your quality of life. You will benefit from the fun learning experience, interact with the group, play a diabetes game and even enjoy the delicious healthy treats.

Call the Certified Diabetes Educators to register and for information on the cost of classes. Remember, a new series of four classes begins every month on the first Thursday, so register before the beginning of the month.