Diabetic Education

Number: 719-845-3117

The Diabetes Self-Management Program at Mt. San Rafael Hospital is committed to improving the quality of life for those with diabetes. The focus of diabetes education is on both the patient and their family, and centers on the cornerstones of diabetes self-management which include:

Blood Sugar Monitoring
Diabetic Symptom Awareness and Causes
Exercise
Medical Nutritional Therapy
Medication

The goal of the program is to provide individuals with diabetes, and their families, with the tools to take control of diabetes and safely manage the disease and prevent serious complications.

Highly Trained and Certified Staff

The Diabetes Management team at Mt. San Rafael Hospital includes a certified diabetes educator, a registered nurse, and a pharmacist who specialize in diabetes self-management training. This multi-faceted team of professionals works closely with physicians to help participants manage their diabetes safely and effectively.

Participants of the Diabetes Self-Management Program meet team members in a one-on-one setting to assess their needs and design a customized educational program. Services include instructions on how to safely administer insulin, the proper care and use of a self-blood sugar monitor, and more. Team members take time to provide hands-on practice to ensure participants are comfortable with their medication regimen, proficient in self-blood sugar testing and all aspects of diabetes care.

Individual Sessions ~ Available for learning insulin injection technique, blood sugar monitoring, nutrition consultation and meal planning, and goal setting with support and follow up.

Group Sessions ~ Classes are offered throughout the year.

Family Participation ~ Family members are also affected when a patient is diagnosed with diabetes and we encourage one family member to attend the program at no additional cost.

Educational Materials ~ All areas related to living with diabetes.


Insurance Coverage:

Many insurances cover most of the cost for classes, but require a referral by a healthcare provider. There is also the Elvira Martin Scholarship available to pay for classes and A1C testing.

Community Education

In addition to the Diabetes Self-Management Program, Mt. San Rafael Hospital has partnered with other community agencies to provide a broad-spectrum of in-depth health and wellness classes to the citizens of our community. Working with the Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Department and Mt. Carmel Health and Wellness Center, the following group classes designed to assist in managing chronic diseases, are now available.

Advanced Care for Diabetes Self-Management
Body Wellness
Chronic Disease Self-Management/Healthy Living Colorado
Chronic Pain Self-Management
Cooking Matters for Adults with Diabetes
Diabetes Prevention Program
Diabetes Self-Management
Stepping On/Fall Prevention
Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance - offered through Mt. Carmel Health and Wellness Center

Each of these courses are held over several weeks and pre-registration is required. Slots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Health and Wellness in the Workplace

Another program being offered through the Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Department, Mt. San Rafael Hospital, and Spanish Peaks Outreach and Women's Clinic is Health and Wellness in the Workplace. Designed to provide important health screenings to local businesses and their employees, the program includes free screenings for A1C, cholesterol, pre-diabetes, and blood pressure checks. A thorough explanation of individual results is also provided.

For more information about the Diabetic Self-Management Program, to inquire about applying for the Elvira Martin Scholarship, or any of the other available health and wellness classes, please call 719-845-3117.