Living Well with Diabetes

About Us

Research shows that medical nutrition therapy (MNT) by a registered dietitian (RD) or CDE is a key component of diabetes management and a complement to treatment of diabetes by physicians. Also, diabetes self-management education (DSME) by a Registered Dietitian/ Certified Diabetes Educator is effective in reducing Blood Sugar/ A1c values and for weight loss management.  Consultations are available for you to develop skills for meal planning and lifestyle changes that will work for you.  Most insurance plans will cover the cost of these individual consultations and group classes.  A doctor’s prescription is required.

“Living Well With Diabetes” Diabetes Self Management Education Program

The ADA accredited program at Heritage Valley Kennedy gives you the tools to help you eat better, manage your diabetes, improve blood sugar levels and have a better quality of life.  The program, which is 2 hours a week over four weeks, will help you set up a plan of care to achieve your goals.  Topics covered in the program include:

• Taking charge to lower A1c results
• Healthy Eating and Carbohydrate Counting
• Physical Activity (usually 30 minutes per day)
• Blood Glucose Monitoring and Managing High and Low Blood Sugar Levels
• Diabetes Care Plans- What you need to know for a healthy lifestyle
• Prevention, Detection and Treatment of Complications
• Managing diabetes distress, as well as plans for emergencies

For more information and to register for individual or group classes, please call our dietitian/diabetes educator at 412-777-6205, or contact szikos@hvhs.org.

Private classes are available for those who need them.

Diabetes Self Management Education Class Dates for 2021

January 6, 13, 20, 27,  Wednesdays, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

February 3,10, 17, 24,  Wednesdays, 10:00 am – Noon

March 1, 8, 15, 22,  Mondays, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

April 7, 14, 21, 28,  Wednesdays, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

May 3, 10, 17, 24,  Mondays, 10:00 am – Noon

June 7, 14, 21, 28,  Mondays, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

July 7, 14, 21, 28,  Wednesdays, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

September 1, 8, 15, 22,  Wednesdays, 10:00 am – Noon

October 4, 11, 18, 25,  Mondays, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

December 1, 8, 15,22,  Wednesdays, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

(Dates and times are subject to change) 

For more information and to register for individual or group classes, please call Susan Zikos, our dietitian/diabetes educator at 412-777-6205.

 

Diabetes Support Group

Diabetes can seem to be an overwhelming disease because it impacts so many areas of your daily life. It’s important to have support from family, friends and from other people with diabetes. Don’t underestimate the importance of peer support. Heritage Valley Kennedy offers a free Diabetes Support Group for those who wish to meet with others with similar problems and stresses. We also address a special topic at each meeting with speakers from different disciplines.

Meetings are held in the Josephine Roseta Auditorium, which is in the W. Laird School of Nursing Building on the Heritage Valley Kennedy Campus.

The Diabetes Support Group is free and does not require a physician referral, but please register in advance so that we know how many participants to prepare for. For more information and to register for diabetes support group, please call our dietitian/diabetes educator at 412-777-6205, or contact szikos@hvhs.org.

Medicare and insurance plans may cover the cost of diabetes education services. Services not covered by your insurance will be billed to you.

Location and Contact Us

Heritage Valley Kennedy's Diabetes Educator is located on the 1st floor of the Medical Office Building in Suite 102. You may call to schedule an appointment at 412-777-6205 or by emailing szikos@hvhs.org.