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Diabetes Education

A diagnosis of diabetes or prediabetes can be daunting. But you can learn to successfully manage diabetes. At Columbia Memorial Hospital, our diabetes education program can empower you to thrive with the disease — and even help you learn how to prevent or delay some of the serious health problems diabetes can cause.

Expert diabetes care

The CMH diabetes education team is made up of registered dietitians, one of whom is a certified diabetes educator. Through classes, support groups and one-on-one guidance, we'll give you the information and skills you need to succeed. Diabetes-care topics we'll cover include:

  • Blood sugar monitoring and education for continuous glucose monitoring.
  • Insulin use.
  • Medication management.
  • Stress management.

Our team works closely with other experts at CMH. In fact, we're located in the CMH-OHSU Health Endocrinology Clinic.

Diabetes programs

We offer several diabetes care programs, including:

Diabetes self-management classes. This series of four classes provides in-depth information about topics like healthy eating, monitoring and understanding blood sugar, coping strategies, and reducing the risk of complications.

Does your doctor want you to check your blood glucose levels? Here's how.
Reviewed 4/28/2023

How to check your blood sugar

You can find out your blood sugar level in 5 easy steps.

Testing your blood sugar, or blood glucose, is an important part of diabetes management. Follow these general steps to see how.*

*All blood glucose meters are different. Consult your meter's manual for specific instructions.

Step 1

Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly.

Step 2

Insert a test strip into your meter in the correct direction.

Step 3

Use a lancing device to prick the side of your fingertip to get a drop of blood.

Step 4

Hold the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood, and wait for the result.

Step 5

Log your result.

What to do with your numbers

Review your results regularly with your doctor to see if you need to adjust your management plan. Ask what your target ranges should be. The closer to normal your numbers, the lower your risk for complications.

Discover more facts and tips about diabetes here: 

Sources: American Diabetes Association; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Sources

 

Diabetes prevention program. This yearlong program for people with prediabetes focuses on lifestyle changes and is designed to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Classes meet weekly for four months and then biweekly for the remainder of the year. Take this test to see if you are at risk for diabetes. If you are at risk and want to sign up for the DPP program, call us.

Diabetes peer support group. Ongoing support can make a difference with any chronic health condition. The diabetes support group meets at our Astoria Clinic for regular education. Sessions address issues that affect your health and quality of life. Past topics have included traveling with diabetes, preserving your vision and how to maintain healthy feet.

You don't need a referral to participate in the diabetes peer support group and no registration is required. All are welcome.

Get the diabetes care you need

Whether you have a new prediabetes diagnosis or you've been living with diabetes for years, you can expect compassionate care from our team of specialists.

Your first diabetes education appointment can last from an hour to 90 minutes. We encourage you to bring a three-day food diary and record of your blood sugar. If you have one, bring your blood sugar meter, too. These tools will help us assess your current health. We'll talk about your goals and what drives meaning in your life.

From there, we'll work together to find ways to support the life you want to lead. For some people, that means being able to keep up with peers or children. For others, it's preserving vision so you can keep doing a hobby you love. Just like you, your diabetes care is unique.

You're welcome to bring a support person to all of your appointments. This could be a spouse, friend, neighbor or family member. Our goal is for you to be comfortable and able to get the information you need.

If you would like insurance to cover diabetes education, you do need a referral from your doctor. We can help you get a referral if you don't already have one. Call us today at 503.338.4012 for more information or to make your appointment.