Self-Management Education and Support for Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes at Stamford Hospital

At Stamford Hospital, we know that good self-management for diabetes is the key to health, well-being and prevention of complications associated with uncontrolled blood glucose levels. If you have been diagnosed with diabete —Type 1, 2 or Gestational Diabetes—our Diabetes Self-Management Education Program (recently awarded continued education program recognition from the American Diabetes Association through 2011) will provide important information, education and support, in individual sessions and/or groups.

Our diabetes instructional team consists of registered nurses who are certified diabetes educators, and registered dietitians, all CDE eligible. We begin with an initial appointment, where we talk about your diagnosis and treatment plan. Future sessions will include nutrition, a monthly group class and a support group offering basic information on living with diabetes; one-on-one education and evaluation appointments (we offer bilingual education as well); and training on how to use an insulin pump and/or injection techniques (if needed). These sessions are based on curriculum developed using the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and the Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center.

Pre-diabetes and a Healthier Lifestyle

If you have been told you have pre-diabetes or simply want to improve your lifestyle, Stamford Hospital offers individual education and counseling sessions with registered dietitians at both Tully Health Center and Stamford Hospital. These sessions consist of an initial one-hour meeting where you and your dietitian will review your diet history and create a tailored eating and exercise plan just for you. Follow-up appointments may include a weigh-in.

Insurance

For people who have been diagnosed with diabetes, Medicare and other insurance carriers offer a wide range of benefits for Diabetes Self-Management Training and for Medical Nutrition Therapy.

In the case of pre-diabetes or nutrition sessions for enhanced good health, some insurance policies offer coverage and some do not. Insurers are more likely to cover this type of treatment if you have a coexisting condition such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Please call your insurance provider to inquire about insurance coverage.

Please call 203-276-7286 for more information.