The Diabetes Education Center at Mercy Medical Center brings the latest in diabetes self management education to the residents of Western Massachusetts. The program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association. It meets the National Standards of Excellence in diabetes education.
Goal
The goal of the Diabetes Education Center is to improve the health and well-being of adults who have diabetes. Services are provided by Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE's) who are registered nurses and registered dietitians who have special training and experience in caring for people with diabetes. Diabetes education focuses on seven self-care behaviors for improved health status and greater quality of life.
The AADE7 Self-Care Behaviors are:
- Healthy eating
- Being active
- Monitoring
- Taking medication
- Problem solving
- Healthy coping
- Reducing risks
Services
The Center offers a wide variety of programs/classes to promote healthy living for adults with diabetes. Specialized services, available upon referral include:
- Comprehensive diabetes self management education (DSME)
- Medical nutrition therapy (MNT)
- Individual consultations
- Management of gestational diabetes
- Management of pregnancy complicated by diabetes
- Community education
Appointments
Day and early evening appointments are available.
