Diabetes is a common disease that can have very serious complications. However, research has shown that people who have diabetes can help to reduce their chances of getting these complications by keeping the disease in control. Heritage Valley Health System provides a variety of services to help individuals successfully manage their diabetes. These services are well integrated with each other and your physician. Individuals may take part in one or any combination of our diabetes services. The program includes the following diabetes education services:
- Healthy Living with Diabetes: This is a nine-(9) hour group class that covers information related to diabetes self-care management. Topics include basic concepts of diabetes, nutrition guidelines, preventing long-term complications, emotional aspects, carbohydrate counting, exercise and heart health. Individuals meet with a Certified Diabetes Nurse Educator prior to attending the first class.
- One on One Instruction with a Certified Diabetes Nurse Educator: Individualized training by a Certified Diabetes Nurse Educator on topics pertaining to blood glucose monitoring, insulin preparation and administration and insulin pump.
- Nutrition Clinic (Medical Nutrition Therapy): Individualized training by a Registered Dietitian on topics pertaining to calorie level determination and nutrition guidelines.
There is a fee to attend these services. For individuals with diabetes who have health insurance in Pennsylvania, insurers are required in most cases to cover diabetes education, if prescribed by their physician. Prior to attending any of these services, it is important to get the appropriate referral from your physician. The insurance provider will then be billed. For more information talk with your physician or call 866.328.8389.
Diabetes Education, Getting Patients Started:
Physicians
Complete the Diabetes Comprehensive Care Program Referral Form and fax the form to 724-773-7641. From there we will contact the patient and schedule their appointment. We will keep you updated on the status of your patient through written correspondence.
Patients
If you are a patient, take the Diabetes Comprehensive Care Program Referral Form to your physician and have him fax to 724-773-7641. From there we will contact you and schedule you for an appointment.
For more information, including payment options, call 866.328.8389. Most insurances cover this service.
The Diabetes Comprehensive Care Program of Heritage Valley Health System has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education*
For more information, talk with your doctor or call 866.328.8389. See upcoming class schedules.
Nutrition Clinic
Healthy eating is a cornerstone of diabetes management. In the Heritage Valley Nutrition Clinic, an individual can meet with a dietitian to learn about meal planning and its role in managing diabetes. In this one-on-one setting, the individual’s lifestyle, food preferences and medical condition are considered, and a personalized meal plan is developed. There is a fee for this service, which is covered by many insurance companies with preauthorization.
To schedule an appointment, call 866.328.8389.
Routine Diabetes Care
Prevention is the key to reducing the long-term complications often associated with diabetes. Below is a list of items for good diabetes care suggested by the American Diabetes Association.
At every doctor’s visit, have:
- Your blood pressure checked to help prevent a heart attack or stroke.
- Your feet examined to ensure they are healthy.
Your HbA1C blood level measured to check sugar control over the past two to three months. A HbA1C shows your average blood sugar level over an eight- to 12-week period. This can give a clearer picture of whether your diabetes is in control. The American Diabetes Association recommends that your HbA1C be less than seven percent.
Once a year, have:
- A dilated eye exam to help prevent blindness.
- Your urine tested for protein to help prevent kidney failure.
- Your cholesterol levels checked to help prevent a heart attack.
