Diabetes Management  Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Education Program  The Program Staff  Class Content  Benefits  For More Information

Diabetes Management

The Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Education Program at Washington Regional is designed for people of all ages with Type 1, Type 2, or Gestational Diabetes and is recognized by the American Diabetes Association.  The program provides individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed for long-term management of the disease and thereby avoiding or delaying complications. 

Outpatient Diabetes Self-Management Education Program

The program includes:

• Pre-class assessment by the diabetes educator.
• Individualized learning objectives for each patient.
• Behavior goals that are set by the patient and diabetes educators.
• Initial 10-hour program for newly diagnosed patients and those who have never before received diabetes education.
• Annual 2-hour education update class for all patients so that patients will be informed of new advances and stay motivated.
• Follow-up services including a 6 month follow up appointment with a diabetes educator to assess objectives and goals and provide reeducation if needed.  Phone communication is available indefinitely.
• Monthly support group meetings.
• Interactive classes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere either individualized or in a group setting to accommodate busy lifestyles.

The Diabetes Support Group meets the first Thursday of each month from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. and lunch is provided.  These meetings provide entertaining and informative education on a variety of topics that affect patients with diabetes.  Members of the support group are also excellent sources of information on managing your disease.

The Program Staff

Primary instructors for the program are certified diabetes educators who are registered nurses or registered dietitians.  These professionals work closely with your physician and your educational experience in our program is included in your medical record.  The Washington Regional Wound Care Clinic is adjacent to the diabetes education offices and provides assistance with foot assessments if needed. The director of the Washington Regional Wound Care Clinic provides oversight to the diabetes education program and both departments work together to provide the best possible care.  You, your family members, and/or caregivers complete this important team. 

Class Content

Based on your needs, the program will provide instruction on the following topics:

• Diabetes overview
• Meal planning
• Exercise and diabetes
• Medications
• Monitoring and use of results
• Diabetes out of balance
• Preventative health measures
• Long range concerns

Benefits

Research has proven that a comprehensive program in Diabetes Education and Self-Management helps patients tremendously.  Patients who complete a program like the one at Washington Regional should anticipate fewer complications caused by their diabetes, less money spent on their own healthcare, and the confidence that they can manage to live a full and active life in spite of their disease.

Please Note: 

• A referral by a physician or nurse practitioner is required for participation in the program. 
• The comprehensive program is offered in Fayetteville at Washington Regional and in Bentonville at the Washington Regional Diagnostic Clinic. 
• Medicare and most insurance carriers pay for diabetes education at the same rate that they would pay for any service.

For More Information

Diabetes Education
3017 North Bob Younkin, Suite 102
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Phone: (479) 463-4333