Bridgton Hospital’s Diabetes Clinic, A.A.D.E certified, will present its three-part Diabetes Self-Management classes beginning Friday, September 22 in the large boardroom at Bridgton Hospital. These classes are designed to give general information about diabetes and help patients manage their diabetes. The course also introduces patients to a diabetes support system. Pre-registration and pre-assessment is required for all of those attending. Following sign up, each attendee will receive the Your Diabetes Guidebook for use in the class. Call Linda Russell, RD, LD, CDE or Elaine Drew, RN, CDE, CDFN at 207-647-6064 to register.
Friday, September 22, 1:00pm to 3:00pm, Linda Russell, a registered dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, will start the first class by discussing meal plans and diabetes and will review carbohydrate counting. Her presentation will include cooking tips, menu planning, dining out guidelines, glucose monitoring, and dietary management for glucose control. Russell will also review preconception care, pregnancy, and gestational diabetes management.
Monday, September 25, 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Karen Bogdon, occupational therapist, will discuss the importance of daily exercise and how it can help improve blood sugars, decrease weight, and improve overall well-being.
Elaine Drew, registered nurse and certified diabetes educator, will provide an overview of diabetes. This will include the disease process and treatment options, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and diabetic ketoacidosis (dangerously high blood sugar).
Wednesday, September 27, 1:00pm to 4:00pm, The final day will discuss medications to control diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol. The discussion also features information about lab tests and diabetes, complications from the disease, psychosocial adjustment, goal setting, signs and treatment of hypoglycemia, and sick day management.
Following, Dr. Thomas Gordon, optometrist, will discuss eye care and diabetes, including cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
A dietary consultation is required, and should be done before the classes begin, call 207-647-6062 to schedule. Participants are encouraged to bring a relative or friend with them. For more information about the program or to register call 207-647-6064.