Health Education
Diabetes Education and Management
The number of Americans who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes continues to climb to epidemic proportions. Central Illinois is no exception. Whether a person has diabetes (blood sugar of 126 or greater) or is in the “pre-diabetes” stage, Kirby Medical Center offers patients an education program to get the disease under control.
The program, developed and taught by a Registered Nurse / Certified Diabetes Educator, educates individuals with diabetes on all areas of the disease during one-on-one sessions and through an abundance of take-home resources. Patients learn about the diabetes disease process, including signs, symptoms, risk factors and causes. The in-depth program teaches patients the essential tools of diabetes control and avoidance of long-term complications - monitoring blood sugars at home; basis for and proper administration of medications, including insulin injections; importance and effects of exercise; and general health maintenance measures. Patients can also be referred for medical nutrition therapy provided by Kirby’s Registered Dietitian, Sara Wade, who will teach them about counting carbohydrates and controlling calories.
Our diabetes educator believes in the timely diagnosis of the disease and strives to counsel patients as soon as possible after diagnosis. Counseling sessions with flexible hours are available to accommodate the patient’s busy schedule and are provided at no charge to patients and their family members.
If you or someone you know has diabetes, take advantage of our close-to-home education program. Appointments can be made through physician referral or by contacting Dianne Geissal, RN, MS, CDE, at Kirby Medical Center, (217) 762-1506. Take control of diabetes today!
