Diabetes Education Program
Our program consists of individual sessions and American Diabetes Association ADA-approved lasses in diabetes self-management. Registered dietitians (RD's) teach medical nutrition therapy while registered nurses (RN's) teach skills such as self-monitering or blood sugar or insulin administration including insulin pump therapy. We have one of the largest insulin pump programs in the Western NY region.
The main focus is to educate the client and his/her family and caregivers about diabetes as a chronic illness and how to successfully manage diabetes to prevent future complications. We use the AADE(American Association of Diabetes Educators) Seven Self-Care Behaviors as a guide:
1. Healthy Eating
2. Being Active
3. Monitoring
4. Taking Medications
5. Problem-Solving
6. Healthy Coping
7. Reducing Risks
Services are covered by most medical insurance plans and are open to our own clinic patients and to anyone motivated to improve diabetes management skills. All sessions and classes are taught by RN's and RD's whoe have additional training in diabetes managment and are nationally-certifies diabetes educators (CDE's)
Staff Members and Credentials:
Susan E. Nielsen, ANP, CDE
Donna M. Kain, RN, MSEd, CPT, CDE
Diabetes Education Medical Nutritional Therapy
One of the key components of diabetes management is nutrition therapy. Nutrition therapy teaches the person with diabetes how to manage diabetes through proper management of their diet. The diabetes Endocrinology Center currently has two Registered Dietitians, Certified Diabetes Educators on staff. Patients receive individual counseling sessions. This allows the Dietitian to focus on the specific needs of each patient.
The goals of Medical Nutrional Therapy are to help patients achieve:
1. Healthy weight
2. Better glycemic control
3. Better lipid profile
The Dietitians educates the patient on the following:
1. Importance of balancing carbohydrate, protein and fat at each meal.
2. The appropriate amount of carbohydrate is needed for each meal.
3. How to count carbohydrates. Using either basic carbohydrates counting techniques or advanced.
4. The appropriate amount of fat and protein to meet individual daily needs.
5. The appropriate amount of calories to help individual reach goals.
The first session usually takes about 45-60 min. Additional follow up sessions are based on individual needs.
Patients are encouraged to visit with the dietitian on a yearly basis.
Beth Szudzik, MS, RD, CDE, CND
