Information about DEEP

Our DEEP program includes individual assessment of learning and/or educational needs, as well as set personal goals. We teach self-blood glucose monitoring (SBGM), including assistance for acquiring supplies at little or no cost utilizing insurance, and instruction on insulin self-administration. Complications from diabetes can be controlled and often times prevented. That's why our diabetes self-management education course offers a wide range of information like nutrition and exercise, individualized meal plans, disease process and types of diabetes including Type 1, Type 2 and GDM, oral and insulin medications, sick day management, the American Diabetes Association's Standards of Care, setting personal goals and identifying community resources.

Here's some additional information about diabetes and why successful self-management is so important to a long, healthy life:

Q: Why do I need to learn so much about my disease?
A: Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic, medical condition that can affect people of all ages. If diabetes isn't controlled correctly there are increased risks of complications, including heart disease, stroke, blindness and kidney failure.

Q: Will insurance pay for my education?
A: Insurance companies usually cover the majority, or all of the cost for diabetes self-management education training. Most private insurance and managed care organizations (HMO's) usually require a prior authorization, notification or referral initiated by the physician's office. With our ADA National Education Recognition status, Medicare requires a physician's order and pays 80%. Medicare covers everything except your co-pay. No matter the circumstance, payment arrangements must be made in advance.

Q: Who can attend the courses?
A: Diabetes affects not only the person with diabetes, it also affects their support systems: family members, care givers, significant others and friends. Our participants are encouraged to bring support persons with them at no additional cost. To allow for adequate seating, please call 587-1309 to make arrangements.

Q: What if I forget some of the information I learned during one of the courses?
A: Up to one year from the initial appointment, the self-management education program participants are invited to attend free refresher classes or individual appointments. However, if blood sugars begin to get out of control (consistently <70 mg/dl or >180 mg/dl or the HbA1c increases) please call 587-1309 to set up the "refresher" appointment immediately.

Q: What is the self-management education schedule?
A: The initial individual education assessment is scheduled as soon as the referral from the primary health care provider is received. Ideally, the initial appointment is within 10 days of the referral. If group education is appropriate, specific group classes are held at different times to meet individual schedules. We schedule appointments so you can complete your education within four months of the initial referral. The first group class is usually the food and nutrition class. Additional appointments are based on individual learning goals or medical needs.

Q: Who are the Instructors?
A: The Diabetes Education Empowerment Program (DEEP) provides a multi-disciplinary approach to help the person with diabetes and their family members to learn how to manage the disease. Our team is directed by your primary health care provider.

Remember, with appropriate diabetes self-management and powerful personal empowerment, your quality of life can be greatly improved. Diabetes doesn't control you rather you control the diabetes.