Living with diabetes is not easy, but the good news is that it can be managed. Elaine Drew, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator, offers a five week educational series, four times each year, on diabetes, providing information, motivation and support to help you better control your diabetes.

The educational program is based on guidelines set by the Diabetes Control Project of Maine.

The program consists of a series of classes covering such topics as:

• overview of diabetes
• nutritional management
• risk factors
• hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia
• exercise
• blood glucose monitoring
• managing sick days
• preventing complications
• stress management
• psychological adjustments

Who May Participate?

Anyone with diabetes is eligible for this program. We encourage a family member or significant other to attend at no additional cost.

How Does The Program Work?

• An initial hour meeting with Mrs. Drew to assess your knowledge, your lifestyle and skills, and set goals regarding your diabetes education.
• An initial meeting with a Registered Dietitian to develop an individualized meal plan.
• Ten hours of classroom participation and instruction by staff and guest speakers from the Bridgton Hospital medical and professional community.
• A one-month follow-up to review materials, finalized goals and answer questions.
• A three, six, nine and twelve month follow-up to review and revise goals initially set.

How To Sign Up

You must have a physician referral for this diabetes program. You may call your physician and ask him or her to sign you up for the program or you may call Elaine Drew, RN, directly at 207-647- 6060. The classes are offered four times a year. Class size is limited. All classes are held at Bridgton Hospital.

Payment

Many insurance carriers cover some or all of the cost of the program. Please contact your provider for benefit coverage.

If you should need financial assistance, please contact the billing office at BH to arrange payment.