Diabetes Services

The Margaret Beckley Upton Center for Health Enhancement
3900 Hollywood Rd (map link)
St. Joseph, Michigan 49085
(269) 927-5465
Toll free: 866-260-7544

Lakeland offers numerous programs designed to help people with diabetes better understand and manage their disease. Each class has been designed to meet the specific needs of a person diagnosed with or having a high risk for developing diabetes. Lakeland’s diabetes education programs are recognized by the American Diabetes Association for meeting the national standards for diabetes self-management education.  

Anodyne Therapy
Anodyne therapy, a new non-invasive treatment for diabetic neuropathy, is available through Lakeland’s physical therapists. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 269-556-7150.
 
 Pre-Diabetes Education
 
 Lakeland’s pre-diabetes education program is designed for anyone with higher than normal blood sugar levels and who may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The 2 ½ hour course is presented by a registered nurse and a registered dietitian who discuss healthy lifestyle changes and meal selection choices to help attendees maintain health and manage their weight. This class is offered free of charge on a monthly basis at Lakeland Hospital, Niles or at the Lakeland Center for Outpatient Services in St. Joseph. Click here to see a class schedule (LINK). To register please call (269) 927-5465.
 
 Outpatient Diabetes Education Programs
 
 Group Classes
 
 This diabetes self-management education class will teach those with diabetes a variety of  management options and meal planning techniques that have been designed to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes. This class is taught by a faculty of certified diabetes educators, registered nurses and registered dietitians. It is scheduled on an ongoing basis at Lakeland Hospital, Niles or at the Lakeland Center for Outpatient Services in St. Joseph. A selection of both afternoon and evening classes are available. The cost of this program is covered by most major insurance carriers, including Medicare and Medicaid. Contact your family physician or primary care provider for a referral to the program.
 
 Individual Instruction
 
 For those who need to learn the skills of diabetes self-management in a more personal setting, we offer one-on-one instruction. Training is available, by appointment, with a registered nurse and registered dietitian. Contact your family physician or primary care provider for a referral to the program.
 
 Diabetes Nutrition
 Choosing healthy foods is the cornerstone of diabetes self-management. It is the means to achieving and maintaining control of your blood glucose levels. Our registered dietitian is available, by appointment, to help you develop a personal meal plan and tips for making healthy meal choices.  Contact your family physician or primary care provider for a referral to one of our registered dietitians.
 
 Diabetes: Kids’ Activities
 
 Each year Lakeland hosts a fun-filled, educational event for children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and their parents. Children ages 4 to 12 can learn more about diabetes while participating in fun activities. Parents will learn new tips for managing diabetes and have the opportunity to connect with other families coping with diabetes. This event is offered free of charge. The next Diabetes: Kids’ Activities will take place on Saturday, March 4, 2006. Call (269) 927-5465 for more information.
 
 Billing and Insurance
 The costs associated with these education programs are covered by most major insurance carriers, including Medicare and Medicaid. Lakeland will gladly bill insurance carriers directly. Please contact your insurer if you have any questions about your coverage.
 
 Contact Us
 For more information about Lakeland Diabetes Education, please call (269) 927-5465.