What are you looking for?
Where did you receive care?
-
Virginia Mason Medical Center & regional centers
Log in to MyVirginiaMason > -
All other locations
Log in to MyChart >
Diabetes Education Program
Learn how to better manage your diabetes
Managing your diabetes can help you feel your best. We offer one-on-one consultations and group programs for people with Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. You'll learn how to:
- Manage your blood sugar, from monitoring to making healthy nutrition and lifestyle changes
- Incorporate regular physical activity into your life
- Maintain a healthy diet
We encourage your loved ones to participate in our diabetes education program along with you and become part of your support network.
Initial diabetes assessment
Your first step is meeting with a diabetes care and education specialist. Together, you’ll develop a self-care plan customized to your needs. We provide follow-up consultations to adapt your plan as your health needs change.
Training and education for diabetes care
Our diabetes education program is designed to help you gain confidence in managing all aspects of diabetes, including diet, exercise, medications, and insulin. For a full list of offerings, visit our classes and events. Topics in our group and individual programs may include:
-
Learn all aspects of daily diabetes self-management, including healthy eating, diabetes medications, and physical activity.
-
Learn which foods contain carbohydrates and how accurate carb counting can keep your blood sugar under control.
-
For women who develop diabetes during pregnancy, this program reviews meal planning, blood sugar testing, and other specialized care.
-
You and your family members learn how to administer insulin and other injectable diabetes medications.
-
Our certified insulin pump trainers show you how to use or upgrade your pump and fine-tune your blood sugar control.
-
Learn how to use a blood sugar monitoring system to track your blood sugar and interpret the results.
Diabetes support groups
Our nurses and dietitians lead support groups for our diabetes patients and their loved ones. In a safe, encouraging environment, group members can exchange experiences with others coping with similar issues. Find a diabetes support group near you.
Get a referral
First, ask your primary care provider to refer you to one of our diabetes care and education specialists. Then, make an appointment at any of our convenient locations. Most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, provide coverage for diabetes education when referred by your provider.
Make an appointment
Our diabetes care and education specialists offer convenient appointments at locations throughout Washington state.