Been Referred.  What's Next? 

If your primary care provider suggested you contact a diabetes educator, make the call! You’ll be one step closer to successfully managing your diabetes. SAH offers one-on-one diabetes education and self-management classes right in Syracuse.

Depending on your specific situation, your insurance and your doctor’s preferences, you will meet with your diabetes education team three times, in addition to a follow up appointment. Insurance plans typically cover up to 10 hours of diabetes education the first year you have been referred, with varying levels of coverage after that. It of course depends on your specific insurance plan.

What happens during diabetes education?

During initial visits, your diabetes educator will spend time with you developing a plan that helps you overcome the barriers you face in managing your diabetes, develop problem-solving and coping skills and adopt healthy behaviors. Some examples of the many activities you may work on together are:

• Helping you understand exactly what diabetes is and how it affects your body
• Explaining how diabetes medications work
• Figuring out what types of food are best for you and how to plan meals that fit your life and budget
• Determining the best type of glucose monitoring device for your specific circumstances
• Suggesting charts, apps and other tools to provide reminders and help you track your progress
• Offering tips to help you cope with stress and solve problems as they arise

Importance of follow up

Meeting with a diabetes educator is a great first step.  But effective diabetes education is a process and takes time. It’s important to attend all of your diabetes education appointments. If you need to miss an appointment, be sure to reschedule. Discuss what you’ve learned with your doctor who referred you to the diabetes educator. He or she wants to be kept informed and may be able to contribute helpful ideas. Managing diabetes is a team effort!

For more information contact Rachel Werner, Director of Outpatient Nursing Services at Syracuse Area Health. 
402-269-2011 or rwerner@syracuseareahealth.com

Information Provided by American Association of Diabetes Educators.