Types of Lakeland Diabetes Classes

Learning more is the first step in controlling your diabetes

diabetic-patient-meets-with-her-doctor-picture-id1146576913The diabetes education program at Spectrum Health Lakeland has been recognized and is accredited by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES.) To learn more about any of these resources, please call 269.556.2868 or use the button below. 

Most insurances cover the cost of these educational programs. You will need a referral from your doctor in order to register for the majority of these classes. Listed below are more specific details about each class that can help you with your diabetes management.

Connect with our team

Gestational diabetes
 If you have diabetes and get pregnant, we can help. If you acquire diabetes while pregnant, we can help. Our educators will meet with you regularly to help ensure your blood sugar is good and leads to a healthy baby.

Group classes
Diabetes self-management education classes are scheduled on an on-going basis. The course is taught by a faculty of registered nurses and registered dietitians, some of whom are certified diabetes care and education specialists. Included in the class discussion is a variety of management options, including meal planning techniques to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications. A selection of afternoon or evening classes is available.

Individual instruction
One-on-one instruction is available for those who will better learn the skills of diabetes self-management in a more individualized setting. Training is available by appointment with a registered nurse and a registered dietitian.

Insulin pump training
Insulin pump instruction is available for those being introduced to insulin pump therapy. Training is also offered for current pump users who would like to improve their skills with advanced pumping techniques. Insulin pump instruction is provided by a registered nurse, certified in diabetes education and insulin pump training.

Intensive insulin management classes
Small group classes are available for individuals learning to manage diabetes with multiple daily insulin injections. Participants learn to adapt insulin doses according to their individual needs.

Meal planning 
Food choices are an important part of managing diabetes. Meet with a registered dietitian to design a personalized meal plan to help control blood sugar and promote good health. You will learn tips on how to grocery shop, prepare meals, and eat out at your favorite restaurants.

Pre-diabetes class
This free class is designed for those at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. You do not need a referral from a doctor to attend. It will help people with higher than normal blood sugar levels learn about lifestyle changes. Knowing more about healthy meal selections may help avoid or delay the onset of the disease. View our calendar of events to learn more. 

NEW! On-going support
The Lakeland Diabetes Education program has formed a support group that will meet the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph. Intended for anyone who has diabetes, their family or support persons, the group will learn tips on healthy eating, recipes, and how to care for their diabetes day-to-day. New products, diabetic supplies, and research will also be shared. For more information, call 269.556.2868.

Continue Watching

Check-up: Understanding prediabetes (Amena Iqbal, MD)

Endocrinologist, Amena Iqbal, MD, discusses preventive measures you can take to lower your risks of developing prediabetes and diabetes.

Apr 01, 2021
Physician Video Profile: Amena Iqbal, MD (Endocrinology)

Endocrinologist, Amena Iqbal, MD, specializes in diagnosing and managing a wide range of endocrine disorders.

Mar 12, 2019
Check-Up: New Diabetes Technology (Amena Iqbal, MD)

Endocrinologist, Amena Iqbal shares advancements that have been made for diabetes care including continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pumps.

Jan 18, 2019
Check-Up: Understanding Diabetes Complications (Amena Iqbal, MD)

Endocrinologist, Amena Iqbal discusses the impact diabetes has on the major organs of the body and the complications it can cause if not properly controlled.

Jan 18, 2019
Physician Video Profile: Sharon Rooney-Gandy, DO (Wound Care)

Sharon Rooney-Gandy, DO, helps those with non-healing wounds at Lakeland Wound Center.

Jan 18, 2019
Managing Diabetes - It's Not Easy, But It's Worth It

Endocrinologist, Amanda Morris, DO, and our team of certified diabetes educators host an interactive discussion about complications affecting uncontrolled diabetes and how to better manage the disease.

Nov 29, 2018
Check-Up: How Sickness Affects Diabetes (Claudia Hanely, RN, CDE)

Claudia Hanley, RN, CDE, explains how being sick can affect your stress level and blood sugar level.

Aug 21, 2018
Check-Up: Safe Blood Sugar Levels (Michael Rushlow, RN, CDE)

Michael Rushlow, RN, outlines how diabetes educators use target ranges to help patients gauge their blood sugar levels at various points in the day.

May 15, 2018
Check-Up: Gestational Diabetes & How to Control It (Benjamin Wood, DO)

BellaNoval Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Ben Wood, DO, explains how Gestational Diabetes impacts a pregnancy, and how diabetes educators can help women create a balanced diet to control their blood sugar level.

May 04, 2018
Check-Up: Meal Planning for Diabetics (Jessica Heckman, RD)

Lakeland Health Diabetes Educator, Jessica Heckman, RD, CDE, shares tips for meal planning for diabetics.

May 01, 2018

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