Diabetes Education
Whether you have just been diagnosed with diabetes and don't know where
to begin, or you simply need an update on the best way to manage your
diabetes, the North Oaks Diabetes Education Program can help you take
control of your condition. Our health care experts at North Oaks Health
System are dedicated to equipping members of our community with the information
they need to increase their quality of life with diabetes.
The necessary lifestyle changes to manage your diabetes may seem overwhelming.
Our program is designed to provide practical information and assistance
to help you achieve your healthiest life with diabetes.
Our Team
The North Oaks Outpatient Diabetes Education team consists of experienced
health care professionals who partner with your physicians to help you
better understand your condition. The program components work together
to provide you with a personal plan to manage your condition and help
lower your risk of complications. With a physician referral, you can take
advantage of the following program offerings listed on this page.
Individual Diabetes Education
This one-on-one consultation with our Certified Diabetes Nurse Educator
will help you understand your personal diabetes diagnosis, as well as
answer any questions you may have about your condition.
Components include:
- Diabetes self-management skills assessment
- Personalized plan for checking blood sugars and medications
- Blood glucose monitoring and meter information
- Explanation of diabetes test results
- Foot screening and care information
- Insulin administration training
Follow-Up Sessions
Our team will continue to check on your progress and address your individual
needs through in-person and phone follow-up sessions. Together, we will
review your personalized goals and treatment plan and monitor your results.
Follow-up sessions also may include foot care classes and screenings.
Nutritional Education
A registered dietitian will review your individual nutritional assessment
and help you develop a meal plan for diabetes management. The program
focuses on incorporating good nutrition into life in the real world, including:
- Carbohydrate counting
- Portion control
- Food label reading
- Making restaurant and fast food meal choices.
Diabetes Basics and Nutrition Class
This small group course continues your education on making the best lifestyle
choices to help you manage your diabetes. Bring a family member or friend
for support as we explore the following topics:
- Understanding diabetes and available treatment options
- Healthy eating and physical activity
- Diabetes medications and how they work
- How to check and understand your blood sugar levels
- Ways to prevent, detect and treat short- and long-term diabetes complications
- Goal-setting, problem-solving and stress management
Support Group
Monthly support group meetings are free and open to those with diabetes
and their families and friends. Physician referrals are not needed. Speakers
from the community share valuable insight on current topics in health
related to diabetes. These meetings also provide participants with an
opportunity to share experiences, tips, ideas and concerns with others.
Potential support group meeting topics:
- Keeping Fit with Exercise
- Heart Disease Risk and Prevention
- Keeping Yourself Healthy During a Disaster
- Sleep Disorders
- Healthy Eating on a Budget
Registration is not required for diabetes support group meetings. For more
information on attending an upcoming meeting, please call North Oaks Community
Education at (985) 230-5723 or visit
Classes & Events
How to Participate in the Diabetes Education Program
Your physician can refer you to our program. In addition, many insurance
plans (including Medicare) help cover the cost of diabetes education.
For individual policy coverage, contact your insurance carrier.
Check out this
online and downloadable quiz from the
American Diabetes Association to see if you may be at risk for diabetes.
Contact Information
North Oaks Diabetes Education
Located within North Oaks Medical Center
15790 Paul Vega, MD, Drive
Hammond, LA 70403
Phone: (985) 230-7777
North Oaks Diabetes Education
North Oaks-Livingston Parish Medical Complex:
17199 Spring Ranch Road
Livingston, LA 70754
Phone: (225) 686-4899