Riverside offers comprehensive self-management programs to help you manage your diabetes, reduce the impact it can have on your life, and prevent complications. Education can be in a group setting or through one-on-one individual sessions.
Whether you have just been diagnosed or need help in getting your diabetes under control, our diabetes education programs can help. Our goal is to give you the tools and resources you need to live a healthy lifestyle and most importantly to feel good.
Most insurance plans cover diabetes self management training. Contact your insurance company for coverage information. A referral or prescription is typically required.
Two-day self-management course
This two-day program provides you with the information and tools you need to live a healthy lifestyle, feel better and avoid complications from diabetes. The course covers the following topics as well as addresses any questions or concerns you may have.
- High risk areas for developing diabetes.
- How different types of diabetes develop.
- How high blood sugar levels can make you feel.
- What, when and how much to eat and why it's important.
- The importance of and ways to handle stress.
- How diabetes medications work and steps to taking them correctly.
- How to handle and prevent diabetes emergencies.
- How to choose and use a glucose meter.
- How exercise can improve and control diabetes.
- How to choose the best exercise for you and when to start.
- What uncontrolled diabetes can do to the body.
- How to lower risk factors for diabetes complications.
This class requires a referral from your doctor. Ask your doctor if this class is right for you.
Course locations, call for details.
Peninsula: 757-534-5918
Williamsburg: 757-534-5918
Middle Peninsula: 757-989-8830
Eastern Shore: 757-302-2124
Medical nutrition therapy education
Changing eating habits can be tough, but it's an essential part of managing or avoiding diabetes. To help you, your doctor may recommend that you work with one of our Riverside dietitians.
In one-on-one counseling or in a small group setting, our dietitians will explain how nutrition impacts your diabetes. Taking into account your individual situation and preferences, our dietitians will work with you to develop your own healthy menus and modified recipes. You'll learn to use meal planning to manage your glucose levels, to lose weight, and to avoid the complications of diabetes. The program typically includes the following sessions.
- Initial session usually lasts one hour.
- Follow-up sessions are 30 minutes to one hour.
- Cost varies by location.
This program requires a physician referral or prescription prior to setting up your appointment.
Course locations, call for details.
Peninsula: 757-534-5918
Williamsburg: 757-534-5918
Middle Peninsula: 757-989-8830
Eastern Shore: 757-302-2124
Pre-pump education
This class includes one hour of carbohydrate counting.
Personalized sessions
One-on-one sessions are available to meet your individual needs.
The importance of breakfast
Eating the right type of breakfast can help control your blood sugar. Here are five menus to get you on the right track.
American Diabetes Association® (ADA) Resources
The ADA offers a free online program, Living With Type 2 Diabetes, available in English and Spanish to help individuals get their diabetes and navigate their diabetes journey.