Bertrand Chaffee Hospital offers Diabetes Management classes for people with pre-diabetes, gestational diabetes, Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and their close family members. Classes are conducted on an individual basis and provide comprehensive information and education to help people with diabetes understand and manage their diabetes effectively.

Some of the topics covered include:

  • Basic Anatomy and Physiology of Diabetes
  • Types of diabetes, signs and symptoms
  • Treatment methods (including diet, exercise, and medications)
  • Complications of diabetes (both chronic and acute)
  • Instruction in blood glucose monitoring and insulin injection as ordered by physician.

Prediabetes Class

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital offers a one-time, 2-hour class on prediabetes multiple times through-out the year. The class is taught by a certified Diabetes Care and Educational Specialist (CDCES). The curriculum is Small Steps, Big Rewards: Your Game Plan for Preventing Type 2 Diabetes by the National Institutes of Health. The class discusses what pre-diabetes is, provides suggestions for initiating and maintaining risk-reducing behaviors, reviews label reading and dietary guidelines, and discusses weight-loss and physical activity suggestions. The class costs $20.00. To register for an upcoming class, call 716-592-9643.

Is this service covered by my insurance?

While Diabetes Management classes are often covered by insurance, patients are advised to check with their health insurance company. Most insurance companies require a physician’s order or referral for the classes to be covered.

Monthly Diabetic Support Group

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital coordinates monthly diabetic support group meetings for Type I and Type II diabetics and their loved ones as part of its community education initiative. Interested individuals are invited to participate in this group to share recipes, coupons and information about topics related to diabetes and health in a supportive and welcoming environment.

The group meets at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital on the first Monday of each month from 6-7 p.m. A Certified Diabetic Educator will facilitate the group, and meetings are free of charge. For more information, call (716) 592-9643. Meetings will be canceled when S-GI schools are closed for a snow day.