| Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose (sugar) levels are above normal, making it difficult to convert food into energy. Sugar is created by the breakdown of food in the body and circulates in the blood stream. In order for the body to use the sugar for “fuel” it must be transported in to the cells. Insulin, a hormone usually produced by the pancreas, helps transport the glucose into the cell. In individuals with diabetes the body produces little to no insulin and the glucose accumulates in the blood resulting in higher than normal blood sugar levels, or levels above 100mg/dl. If not managed properly, overtime, the elevated blood sugar levels can lead to complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, nerve problems, blindness, gum infections or circulatory problems.
In South Carolina, 6% of adults suffer from diabetes, with nearly 2,100 or approximately 9% of Union County’s adult population having been diagnosed with the disease. Wallace Thomson Hospital is committed to providing educational services to our community through our Diabetes Self-Management Education and Training Program.
The Diabetes Self-Management Education and Training Program is a series of classes designed to provide information on the disease, its complications, and provide information on diet, exercise and self care skills to maximize function and decrease the occurrence of complications.
Diabetes Self-Management Education and Training Program
Wallace Thomson Hospitals’ Diabetes Program offers a series of three classes, each addressing issues affecting adults with diabetes. Taught by registered nurses and registered dietitians, the classes are designed to teach adults with diabetes how to live a normal life and deal with their disease on a daily basis, all the while maximizing their quality of life.
Class 1
Provides a basic overview and information on the disease process, effects and complications of the diseases on the different systems of the body, exercise, and acute complications.
Class 2
Focuses on nutrition and includes diet instruction, meal planning, sick day guidelines, and self-monitoring.
Class 3
Teaches personal care, identification and treatment of chronic complications, and healthy lifestyle changes.
Registration
If you are interested in registering for a session, talk with your physician. If they feel you would benefit from the classes, they can complete a referral form for the program. Call (864) 466-0281 to register and reserve your space in class.
Payment
Medicare and Medicaid will pay for the classes. The referral from your physician certifies the need for the program and Medicare/Medicaid will be billed for the services.
Class Dates
Each class lasts approximately an hour and is held in Wallace Thomson Hospital’s Education Building located across the street from the hospital. To find out when upcoming sessions are scheduled, please contact the Diabetes Program at (864) 466-0281.
Wallace Thomson Hospital
322 East. South St
Union, SC 29379
Phone Number
466-0281 |