Education Services
Endocrine conditions often require long-term management, so we make sure you’re well-informed about how to manage your health – whether it’s controlling your blood sugar to manage diabetes or teaching you how to build bone strength through diet and exercise.
Diabetes Management
Learn how to control your diabetes through clinics, individual or small-group consultations, support groups, and expert guidance.
When you manage your diabetes well, you can either reduce your risk of or prevent complications that can occur when you don’t control your blood sugar. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to foot problems, eye damage, nerve damage, and heart and vascular disease.
The Benefis Diabetes Education Service provides you with information and resources to manage diabetes and improve your health. Our service is recognized by the American Diabetes Association, which means we meet the highest national standards for quality diabetes self-management education and training. The service is led by our highly trained, knowledgeable staff, and includes:
- Diabetes management clinics. Three-part weekly sessions are offered each month. The three two-hour sessions cover important topics to help those with diabetes improve their diabetes control and management. Topics include nutrition, activity, blood sugar monitoring, medications, reducing the risk of complications, stress management, and more. Clinic fees are submitted to insurance.
- Individual consultations. One-on-one consultations are offered with a certified diabetes educator (CDE) and/or a registered dietitian (RDN). You are encouraged to bring a family member or support person with you. Since your consult is individualized, we will discuss concerns or topics important to you. Trainings for insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and sensors are often done individually.
- Diabetes support groups. It's helpful to talk with others who are living with diabetes. You can share your concerns, get advice, and receive encouragement from people facing some of the same challenges. We offer monthly support groups to provide ongoing assistance.
Healthy Lifestyle Program/Diabetes Prevention Program
The Healthy Lifestyle Program is an organized group-based program designed to educate and guide you through healthy lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing diabetes or other health conditions. It is an evidence-based program modeled after the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Diabetes Prevention Program. The 12-month program includes topics on nutrition, exercise, and behavioral changes.
Sessions are virtual only, using the HabitNu platform. The program spans 12 months and consists of 16 weekly sessions followed by six monthly sessions.
Sessions begin Tuesday, Aug. 27 (5-5:30 p.m.), or Thursday, Aug. 29 (12:15-12:45 p.m.).
The program’s cost is $50 for the entire 12 months.
Participation Eligibility Requirements:
BMI ≥ 25 (or approximately 35 pounds overweight), age 18 or older, and one or more of the following:
- Previous diagnosis of pre-diabetes (A1C: 5.7-6.4%)
- Abnormal plasma glucose (fasting plasma glucose 100-125 ml/dl)
- History of gestational diabetes OR gave birth to baby ≥ 9 lbs.
- Hypertension (≥ 130/80 mmHg OR currently taking medication)
- Triglycerides (≥ 200 mg/dl)
- HDL (for women: < 50 mg/dl; for men: <40 mg/dl)
- LDL ≥ 130 mg/dl OR currently taking medication
Registration: Call (406) 731-8855 to register.
