Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, which is needed to convert food into energy. The Diabetes Education Center at Pennsylvania Hospital believes that education is the most important part of managing diabetes and living a long, healthy life. Through education, our team of Registered Dietitians and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists help individuals understand how to manage their condition and work towards their health goals.
Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Program
The Diabetes Education Center holds accreditation from the American Diabetes Association as a center that provides the highest quality of care and education, meeting national standards for diabetes self-management education.
Participants of the DSMES program begin with a pre-class, initial assessment appointment. During this visit, the educator reviews a patient’s day-to-day diabetes routines including medication management, glucose records, if applicable, and eating and activity patterns. Program participants then complete a 3-class series where they learn about diabetes basics, medication management, the prevention of long-term complications, healthy eating for diabetes, goal setting, and more.
Follow-up sessions are strongly encouraged for ongoing, individualized education.
National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP)
The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a year-long program designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for individuals who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The program is facilitated by certified lifestyle change coaches and begins with weekly sessions, followed by biweekly, then monthly sessions over the course of one year. The program encourages participants to make healthy food choices and commit to 150 minutes of physical activity weekly to promote a 5-7% weight change over the program.
You may be eligible to participate in the program if you:
- Are 18 years of age or older
- Have a body mass index (BMI) at least 25 kg/m2 or more (at least 23 kg/m2 or more if Asian American)
- Have blood test results meeting at least one of the following:
- Fasting glucose of 110 to 125 mg/dL
- Plasma glucose of 140 to 199 mg/dL measured 2 hours after a 75 gram glucose load
- Hemoglobin A1C of 5.7 to 6.4%
- Have not previously been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Are not pregnant at time of enrollment
To learn more about all of our programs and how to register, follow the link to our Sessions and Classes page.