Diabetes education

If you or a loved one has diabetes, you’re not alone. At Edward-Elmhurst Health, our goal is to help you learn to manage your diabetes to achieve your best health—and we’ll be right beside you every step of the way.

Our certified diabetes care and education specialists provide individualized education and counseling and all the tools you’ll need to keep your diabetes under control.

Learn what you can do to prevent or delay diabetes.

Diabetes programs to meet your needs

Once you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, our diabetes team will work with you to develop a care plan designed specifically for you.

We’ll point you to the classes and counseling sessions you need, and our certified diabetes care and education specialists will provide expert guidance through group sessions and one-on-one instruction. Here are some of the specific services we provide:

  • Individual sessions for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes
  • Group sessions for patients with type 2 diabetes, new to diabetes or without prior in depth diabetes education
  • Individual sessions for patients, who speak Spanish, with type 1 or type 2 diabetes with a Spanish speaking educator if schedule allows
  • Individual or group sessions for diabetes during pregnancy
  • Individual sessions for insulin pump therapy preparation, training and follow up (immediate follow up or follow up at any time)
  • Individual sessions for continuous glucose monitor/sensor training
  • Individual sessions for medical nutrition therapy 
  • Hybrid Diabetes Support Groups at Elmhurst Hospital (in person, with an option to WebEx, if unable to make it in person)

Virtual appointments are available for the above, as insurance allows.

We encourage you to bring a family member or friend with you to your sessions. We welcome your questions and discussion at any time during the sessions.

Jumpstart your Health with Group Lifestyle Balance

A diagnosis of prediabetes does not mean diabetes is inevitable. Consider our research-based lifestyle change program, Jumpstart your Health with Group Lifestyle Balance™  to guide you in establishing habits that help to prevent diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Support Group and Type 2 Diabetes Support Group

Support group for type 1: First Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8 pm, with no group in January, July and August
Support group for type 2: First Wednesday of the month, 6:30-8 pm, with no group in January and February

Support persons are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Guest speakers will be scheduled on occasion. Please call 331-221-6440 option 3 to join the email list for updates on topics for each month and additional details. No RSVP needed. 

Type 1 diabetes – adult, teen and children’s classes

Class times are changing at Edward Hospital – as of now, they are being offered 5:30–7:30 pm at the Naperville location. Class times at Elmhurst Hospital are 1-3 pm on Thursday and 6-8 pm on Wednesday. Individual appointments may be available if these times do not work. 

Type 2 diabetes

Class times are changing at Edward Hospital – as of now, they are being offered 5:30–7:30 pm at the Naperville location. Class times at Elmhurst Hospital are 1-3 pm on Thursday and 6-8 pm on Wednesday. Individual appointments may be available if these times do not work. 

La diabetes – Spanish diabetes education en Español

Nuestro personal se ha comprometido a ayudar a las personas y sus familias a obtener las habilidades y conocimientos necesarios para manejar su diabetes y vivir la vida al máximo.

Diabetes during pregnancy

This class, for women who develop diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes), teaches you about the condition, how to use a blood glucose monitor and how to target safe blood glucose levels for your best health and the health of your baby.

Insulin pump therapy

These individualized training sessions help patients transition from multiple injections to an insulin pump that delivers insulin around the clock through a catheter placed under the skin.

Glucose sensor training

A glucose sensor is a fine filament that is inserted just under the skin to monitor glucose levels continuously. The data from the sensor can identify problem areas and evaluate changes made in your treatment plan. We’ll give you information on how to wear it, log daily information, and understand the reports it generates for you and your doctor.

Medical nutrition therapy

Our registered dietitians help you manage your diabetic condition, high cholesterol and/or kidney disease with individualized meal plans and lifestyle changes.

Please call your insurance provider to confirm your benefits about coverage for Medical Nutrition therapy before making your appointment.

Online classes

Edward Hospital’s Diabetes Center offers web-based education:

  • Understanding Diabetes: Explains the basics of how to understand and manage diabetes. Watch video.
  • Preventing Complications: What are the complications from high blood sugars and how we can prevent them from happening. Watch video.
  • Medications: Lists and explains how all the major medications used for diabetes work in the body. Watch video.

Support groups

Elmhurst Hospital

Diabetes Support Group for Adults and Caregivers
This support group is for adults diagnosed with diabetes and their significant others. Discussions include educational information, stress management, and emotional issues that may result from having diabetes.

Meets the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Magnolia conference room (lower level)
Elmhurst Hospital (enter through the east entrance)
155 E. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst

Please note: The support group will not be meeting in January and February.  

For more information call the Diabetes Learning Center at 331.221.6440, ext. 3.
If you’d like to receive a monthly email reminder or to join us, please contact Liz at Liz.Jones@EEHealth.org.

 

Insulin Dependent Diabetes Support Group
Designed for both the insulin pump user as well as those considering the insulin pump. This free support group provides an opportunity to discuss issues, concerns, questions, problems, and practical techniques for the pump user.  This is appropriate for participants with either type 1 or 2 diabetes.  

Meets the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30-8 p.m.
Hawthorne conference room (lower level) or classroom e (main level)
Elmhurst Hospital (enter through the east entrance)
155 E. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst

Please note: The support group will not be meeting in January, July and August.

For more information call the Diabetes Learning Center at 331.221.6440, ext. 3.