Diabetes education

If you or a loved one has diabetes, you’re not alone. At Edward-Elmhurst Health, our goal is to help you learn to manage your diabetes to achieve your best health—and we’ll be right beside you every step of the way.

Our certified diabetes educators provide individualized education and counseling and all the tools you’ll need to keep your diabetes under control.

Learn what you can do to prevent or delay diabetes.

Diabetes programs to meet your needs

Once you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, our diabetes team will work with you to develop a care plan designed specifically for you.

We’ll point you to the classes and counseling sessions you need, and our diabetes educators will provide expert guidance through group sessions and one-on-one instruction. Here are some of the specific services we provide:

  • Type 1 diabetes – adult, teen and children’s classes
  • Pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes
  • La diabetes – Spanish diabetes education en Español
  • Diabetes during pregnancy
  • Insulin pump therapy
  • Glucose sensor training
  • Medical nutrition therapy
  • Online classes
  • Support groups

We encourage you to bring a family member or friend with you to your sessions. We welcome your questions and discussion at any time during the sessions.

Jumpstart your Health with Group Lifestyle Balance

A diagnosis of prediabetes does not mean diabetes is inevitable. Consider our research-based lifestyle change program, Jumpstart your Health with Group Lifestyle Balance™  to guide you in establishing habits that help to prevent diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Support Group for Adults

Thursday, March 9, 5:30-6:30pm
Edward Diabetes Center Classroom
1331 W 75th Street, Suite 201, Naperville IL 60540

Topic: Diabetes & Dental Health
Speaker: Heather Torrie, Amanda Moldovan, Kurstin Schweinert, Dental Hygiene Students, College of DuPage

class diabetes dental 
  • Boxed meal will not be provided
  • Please RSVP: barbara.kopelman@eehealth.org
  • Due to space limitations, the limit for in-person attendance is 10 people (people in same household = 1 person)
  • Webex available if I have your email address

Type 1 diabetes – adult, teen and children’s classes

These typically one-on-one sessions focus on controlling your diabetes by maintaining your blood sugar level within a normal range using a combination of insulin therapy, diet and exercise. Sessions for children and teens are fun and friendly, and tailored specifically for kids and their parents. 

 

Pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes

In this four-step class, you’ll learn about the most common form of diabetes (type 2) and what you can do to postpone or prevent it if you have pre-diabetes. You’ll be given a blood glucose meter and shown how to use it to monitor your glucose levels. You’ll also receive instruction on medication, nutrition, diabetes complications and heart health, among other topics.

Diabetes education for Pre-Diabetes may not be covered by your insurance and is not covered at this time by Medicare. Please call your insurance company to confirm your benefits.

Class Times

Naperville
Every Tuesday 6-8pm
Every Wednesday 2-4pm
Every Thursday 9-11am

Plainfield
Every Wednesday 5:30-7:30pm
Step 2 class - 3rd Wednesday of the month
Step 3 class - 4th Wednesday of the month

Yorkville
Every Tuesday 1-3pm
Step 2 class - 2nd Tuesday of the month
Step 3 class - 4th Tuesday of the month

La diabetes – Spanish diabetes education en Español

Nuestro personal se ha comprometido a ayudar a las personas y sus familias a obtener las habilidades y conocimientos necesarios para manejar su diabetes y vivir la vida al máximo.

Diabetes during pregnancy

This class, for women who develop diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes), teaches you about the condition, how to use a blood glucose monitor and how to target safe blood glucose levels for your best health and the health of your baby.

Insulin pump therapy

These individualized training sessions help patients transition from multiple injections to an insulin pump that delivers insulin around the clock through a catheter placed under the skin.

Edward Diabetes Center holds a free evening class about exploring insulin pumps called “The Latest and Greatest”.  This class is held 3-4 times a year.  Please call the Edward Diabetes Center at 630-527-3213 to register.

To help you decide which pump would be best for you, visit http://main.diabetes.org/dforg/pdfs/2017/2017-cg-insulin-pumps.pdf.

Glucose sensor training

A glucose sensor is a fine filament that is inserted just under the skin to monitor glucose levels continuously. The data from the sensor can identify problem areas and evaluate changes made in your treatment plan. We’ll give you information on how to wear it, log daily information, and understand the reports it generates for you and your doctor.

For more information about sensors on the market that you can purchase, visit http://main.diabetes.org/dforg/pdfs/2017/2017-cg-cgms.pdf.

Medical nutrition therapy

Our registered dietitians help you manage your diabetic condition, high cholesterol and/or kidney disease with individualized meal plans and lifestyle changes.

Please call your insurance provider to confirm your benefits about coverage for Medical Nutrition therapy before making your appointment.

Online classes

Edward Hospital’s Diabetes Center offers web-based education:

  • Understanding Diabetes: Explains the basics of how to understand and manage diabetes. Watch video.
  • Preventing Complications: What are the complications from high blood sugars and how we can prevent them from happening. Watch video.
  • Medications: Lists and explains how all the major medications used for diabetes work in the body. Watch video.

Support groups

Elmhurst Hospital

Type 2 Diabetes Support Group for Adults and Caregivers
Meets first Wednesday of every month in the Magnolia Room (located in the lower level conference rooms) from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Enter through the east entrance at Elmhurst Hospital, 155 E. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

Please note: The support group will not be meeting in January and February.  

Insulin Dependent Diabetes Support Group
Open to those treated with multiple daily insulin injections, as well as insulin pump therapy. Meets the first Tuesday of every month (no group meeting July and August) from 6:30-8 p.m. in the lower level conference rooms (use east entrance) located at 155 E. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126.

For more information, call the Diabetes Learning Center at 331-221-6440.

Edward Hospital

Type 1 Diabetes Support Group at Edward-Elmhurst Health Center, Naperville
Discuss insulin pumps, sensors, coping, holiday eating, depression and other topics requested by attendees. Spouses are welcome.

Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month January – May and September-November.
1st Floor conference room
Edward-Elmhurst Health Center
1331 W. 75th Street – Naperville

For more information and to RSVP email cindy.bohac@eehealth.org

To learn more about the support groups offered at Edward hospital, please click here