Diabetes Self Management Program
York Hospital Program
298 St. Charles Way
York, PA 17402
(717) 851-5341
FAX (717) 851-5349
Map and Driving Directions
Gettysburg Hospital Program
147 Gettys Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 337-4189
FAX: (717) 339-2321
Map and Driving Directions
Mission Statement
The Diabetes Self-Management Program is primarily committed to providing high quality, comprehensive diabetes education to patients, their families, health care professionals and the community in general.
About the Diabetes Self-Management Program
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease where the body has difficulty turning food into energy.
Why should I worry about my blood sugar?
Often there are no symptoms of high blood sugar until the sugar is very high. Blood sugars that are higher than normal can cause serious, permanent damage to the nerves, eyes, kidney and other organs.
Is it possible to cure diabetes?
Once you have diabetes it does not go away. It can be controlled by keeping the blood sugar near normal.
What are the types of diabetes?
- type 1- the person's body does not make insulin and requires insulin injections.
- type 2- the person's body does not make enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin effectively.
How do I control diabetes?
Some people with type 2 diabetes manage their diabetes by following a meal plan and activity program. Other people need the addition of diabetes pills and/or insulin. Controlling diabetes depends on a balance of food, activity, stress management, monitoring and sometimes medication.
Diabetes Self-Management Program
The diabetes self-management program offers four classes to help people with diabetes and their family members better understand the disease. We encourage you to take all four of the classes in order to get a complete overview of diabetes. Classes are taught by diabetes educators.
Registration is necessary.
Your insurance company or health plan will be billed. Reimbursement varies with each company. You are encouraged to check with your plan about coverage. If you need a referral be sure to get one before the first class. You will receive a bill for any uncovered charges.
Class Series Content
Initially, each individual meets with a diabetes nurse educator to assess current knowledge related to diabetes as well as skills. After this appointment, you will enroll in a class series consisting of four classes.
- Class 1 - Diabetes Facts, Medications and Monitoring
Discusses the types of diabetes, symptoms of high and low blood sugars and diabetes medications (pills and insulin). Content includes how food, exercise, medications and stress affect blood sugar. Also explains the normal range for blood sugars and laboratory tests.
- Class 2 - Nutrition and Meal Planning, Carbohydrate Counting, Exchange System and Label Reading
Focuses on reasonable weight; good nutrition; how carbohydrates, fats and proteins are used; food groups; portion sizes and making a sample menu.
- Class 3 - Strategies for Using Fat, Fiber, Alcohol, Restaurant Eating and Exercise
Practical ways to manage everyday challenges related to fat, fiber, alcohol and restaurant eating. Also, how to incorporate safe exercise into your diabetes management plan.
- Class 4 - Coping with Diabetes, Complications, Sick Day Information, Travel Tips and Resources
Content includes how stress and emotions affect blood sugars and coping skills. Will also discuss diabetes complications and how to prevent them. Also, effects of illness on blood sugar and what to do to care for self when sick. Travel tips & resources are discussed.
After completing the class series, you will meet individually with a dietitian who will assist you in developing your individual meal plan and health goals.
For your convenience, diabetes education class series are offered mornings, afternoons and evenings. After your initial appointment with a diabetes educator, you will choose which class times best suits your schedule.
Diabetes Support Groups
York Diabetes Support Group
Meets 2nd Thursday of the month
298 St Charles Way
No Charge
7-8:30p.m
Contact - Lori Shultz, R.N., CDE - 851-5347 or Roberta Kepner, R.N. - 851-5348
Gettysburg Diabetes Resource Group
Meets 2nd Monday of the month (Feb., Apr., Jun., Oct., Dec.) 6:30-8 pm
Call Marcia Fiscel at 337-4189.
 "This diabetes self-management education program has been awarded Recognition by the American Diabetes Association in accordance with the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs."
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