Diabetes Education

Diabetes mellitus is a serious medical problem affecting 16 million people in the United States alone. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes is a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. There are two major types of diabetes:

• Type 1 — An auto-immune disease in which the body does not produce any insulin, most often occurring in children and young adults. People with Type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5-10 percent of those diagnosed with diabetes.

• Type 2 — A metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin. It is the most common form of the disease. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95 percent of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is nearing epidemic proportion, due to an increased number of older Americans, and a greater prevalence of obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medication. Regulating blood glucose levels is the key element in managing diabetes, and research has shown that tight control of blood glucose will help prevent or delay the long-term complications of the disease.

About Our Program

Johns Hopkins Medicine and Suburban Hospital have partnered to provide a comprehensive diabetes education program aimed at guiding people with diabetes toward a healthier lifestyle. The 2-day program provides a solid foundation for the various aspects of diabetes management. The following areas are reviewed as outlined by the National Standards of Care for People with Diabetes Mellitus: pathophysiology of diabetes, oral medications and insulin therapy, home glucose monitoring, nutrition therapy, lifestyle changes and health-related goals, stress management, exercise, and healty practices.

Participants are invited to bring a family member or significant other to the program. Lunch and snacks will be provided and class members will be given a take-home manual that covers all topics in the program. The program also includes three private, follow-up meetings with the nurse educator and three appointments with the dietitian in order to personalize treatment plans.

The program staff is multidisciplinary, including endocrinologists, a certified diabetes educator nurse, a certified diabetes educator dietitian, podiatrists, exercise physiologists and counselors. For further information about the Eugene B. Casey Diabetes Education Center at Suburban Hospital, or to enroll in the class, call .301.896.2106.

Feedback From Participants

"I found the Suburban instructors to be very knowledgeable, excellent communicators and genuinely interested in the well-being of all students."
A.G.
Columbia, MD

"This program is a vital necessity to all of those individuals who are diabetic. You are saving lives by educating us and you should be proud."
C.D.
Gaithersburg, MD

"Every detail relating to managing diabetes was covered completely and competently by the assembled staff of experts...This program is a national treasure."
D.J.
Kensington, MD