Diabetes information includes:

• What is diabetes?
• How does diabetes affect the body?
• What are A1Cs and what are their proper levels?
• What are signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia?
• What concerns could a patient with diabetes experience?

Specifics on managing diabetes are also provided:

• Proper nutrition
• How to read labels
• Portion sizes
• Carbohydrate counting
• Glycemic index
• What to do if blood sugars are low
• Importance of exercise
• Removing perceived barriers of having diabetes
• Administering insulin (if applicable)
• Medications that interact with diabetes
• How to use a glucometer to check blood sugars
• Keeping a blood sugar log and a food journal to track eating habits and how they relate to blood sugar levels
• Setting goals

Educational displays and posters serve as visual demonstrations to help patients understand diabetes. Education materials and practice tools are also provided for patients to keep for long-term self-reference.

Throughout the course of their appointments, patients are encouraged to write down their questions to discuss at their next appointment or to call the nurse practitioner whenever they have a more urgent concern. Patients are also encouraged to bring family members to their diabetes education appointments so they can ask questions as well as provide support to the patients.

The diabetes education provided at Rainy Lake Clinic is another example of community healthcare working for you.