Healthcare at West Virginia University

Healthcare at West Virginia University

Diabetes Education Center

Type 2 Diabetes Classes

For outpatient classes or one-on-one education, a physician must fill out a referral form. Once the patient is accepted, we will notify them of the class schedule. The physician requesting the referral will be provided updates on the patient’s progress after each session.

The Classes

Diabetes ClassesThere are four classes for people who are non-insulin dependent. There are three classes for people who are insulin dependent. These classes are spread out over a three to four month period of time. It is important to attend every class because the information presented builds on the prior class and there is new information presented at each session. The primary goals of the classes is for those with diabetes and their families to understand of the importance of lifelong diabetes care for prevention of complications, and to feel that diabetes is a manageable disease that can work with their lifestyle. In the future, we hope to offer a review class for patients that have attended classes in the Diabetes Education Center.

The class format is based on the International Diabetes Center requirements and is recognized by the American Diabetes Association. Please call 304-598-4391 and press #1 for Connie Kyle to find out most current class schedule.

Session 1 lasts about three hours and covers: Session 2 lasts about two hours and covers:
  • The role of glucose and insulin in the body
  • The diagnosis of diabetes
  • Risk factors of type 2 diabetes
  • Symptoms of hyperglycemia
  • Possible complications of poor glucose control
  • Possible treatment options
  • Self blood-glucose testing and current targets
  • Help with selection of glucometer
  • Pattern management
  • Effect of carbohydrate on blood glucose
  • Carbohydrate counting and choices
  • Reading food labels
  • Benefits of physical activity
  • Goal of blood glucose self tests
  • Meter maintenance
  • Hypoglycemia and treatment
  • Causes of hyperglycemia
  • Stress management
  • Foods that contribute to heart health
  • Discuss trans fatty acids effect on heart health
  • Key words that signal high fat or heart healthy foods when dining out
  • Pattern management or relationship of food, activity and medication
  • Sick days and reasons to call provider
  • Rationale for healthy food choices
  • Portions sizes
  • Distinguish between good and bad cholesterol levels
  • Identify healthy versus less healthy fats in the diet
  • Ways to reduce saturated fat in the diet
  • Set goals for success plans
Session 3 lasts about 90 minutes and covers: Session 4 lasts about 90 minutes and covers:
  • Evaluate diabetes success plan
  • Relationship between glucose self tests and A1C levels
  • Discuss normal progression of diabetes
  • How therapy will also need to change
  • Self care schedule
  • Foot care
  • Risk for heart disease
  • Targets for blood pressure
  • Targets for cholesterol levels
  • Strategies for sticking to meal plan while dining out
  • Guidelines for alcohol in the diet
  • Strategies for working with a success plan
  • Problem solving for out of target glucose readings
  • Strategies for reducing stress and finding balance
  • Discuss relationship between diabetes and depression
  • Symptoms of depression and how they can affect self care
  • Strategies for increasing activity
  • Rationale for choosing or not choosing regular, sugar-free or fat-free products
  • Healthy weight loss plans
  • Community resources for ongoing education

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