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BRIDGTON — Bridgton Hospital’s Diabetes Clinic, A.A.D.E certified, will present its three-part “Diabetes Self-Management” classes beginning Friday, May 19, in the large boardroom at Bridgton Hospital. These classes are designed to give general information about diabetes and help patients manage their diabetes. The course also introduces patients to a diabetes support system. Pre-registration and pre-assessment is required for all of those attending. Following sign up, each attendee will receive a copy of “Your Diabetes Guidebook”_ _for use in class. Call Linda Russell, RD, LD, CDE or Elaine Drew, RN, CDE, CDFN at 207-647-6064 to register.
Here is a rundown of the classes:
Friday, May 19, 10 a.m. to noon — Linda Russell, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, will start the first class by discussing meal plans and diabetes and will review carbohydrate counting. Her presentation will include cooking tips, menu planning, dining out guidelines, glucose monitoring and dietary management for glucose control. Russell will also review preconception care, pregnancy and gestational diabetes management.
Thursday, May 25, 9 a.m. to noon — Elaine Drew, registered nurse and certified diabetes educator, will provide an overview of diabetes. This will include the disease process and treatment options, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and diabetic ketoacidosis (dangerously high blood sugar). Following that, Dr. Thomas Gordon, optometrist, will discuss eye care and diabetes, including cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
Wednesday, May 31, noon to 3 p.m. — Jen Cyr, pharmacist, will discuss medications to control diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Karen Bogdon, occupational therapist, will discuss the importance of daily exercise and how it can help improve blood sugars, decrease weight and improve overall well-being. The final day will also feature information about lab tests and diabetes, complications from the disease, psychosocial adjustment, goal setting, signs and treatment of hypoglycemia, and sick day management.
A dietary consultation is required, and should be done before the classes begin; call 207-647-6062 to schedule the consultation and to register for the program. Participants are encouraged to bring a relative or friend with them.
