Diabetes affects over approximately 6.2% (17 million) Americans, with 6 million of these being undiagnosed. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in this country. It is also a contributing factor in heart disease and is the leading cause of kidney disease, foot amputations, and blindness. Montgomery County surpasses the national average in the number of residents who are identified as having diabetes.
The MGH Diabetes Program is a year-long program designed as an in-depth exploration of diabetes and how exercise, nutrition, medication, and lifestyle changes are important to your personal disease management. Our diabetes program is an American Diabetes Association-recognized program, meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.
Read the latest version of Diabetes Talk (PDF), quarterly publication from the Diabetes and Nutrition Center. It is available as printable PDF file using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, download a free copy now from Adobe.
Physician Referral Required
Once we have received your required physician referral, we will schedule you for an appointment to assess your needs. Next, we work with you and your physician to develop a treatment plan, personalize your daily routine and register you for diabetes education classes.
Classes
As the first step in our program, we offer diabetes education classes that address common questions and concerns, the latest technology, and lifestyle changes.
Class topics include:
- General information about diabetes
- The benefits of exercise and its relationship to nutrition, activity, medication and blood glucose levels
- Personalized diet designed for you
- Eating out
- The latest information regarding medications
- The latest techniques for monitoring and managing blood sugar
- Prevention, detection and treatment of acute and chronic complications
- Behavioral change strategies for coping skills and managing daily stress
Follow-up Visits
About three months after the instructional part of our program, you'll be scheduled for a follow-up session, which includes: a re-assessment of diabetes self-care, support for behavior change strategies and standards of care tracking.
We will have you return again at approximately six months and one year to provide further encouragement, and assessment. This is also time to be recognized for the progress you have made in the program.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurance plans will cover the cost of this program. Diabetes will be with you the rest of your life, but now is the time to put the latest diabetes information to work for you. Help is available. Contact the Montgomery Hospital Diabetes Center at 301-774-8727.
Find out more about Insurance Information.