Diabetes Education
We offer a comprehensive diabetes management and education program for adults. Our nurse educators, clinical dietitians and a clinical social worker are Certified Diabetes Educators. We offer individually tailored and group education sessions for type 1 and type 2 diabetes self-management, including blood sugar (glucose) monitoring, nutrition guidelines, carbohydrate counting and meal planning, medication management, insulin adjustment and lifestyle change.
The Center works closely with referring physicians to provide comprehensive patient management. Educators keep physicians informed of the patient’s progress and plan.
Center for Diabetes Services
3801 Sacramento Street (at Maple), 7th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94118
Diabetes Management Classes
Patients take a series of four classes and have two individual appointments in a three-month time period. This meets the requirements of the American Diabetes Association’s National Standards of Diabetes Self-management Education.
Our comprehensive program includes:
- Session 1: introduction to diabetes management, an individualized food plan, how to interpret home blood glucose values, A1C testing, relationship between nutrition, exercise, and medication.
- Session 2: preventing complications, high and low glucose, what to do during illness, carbohydrate counting for everyday situations, dining out, food labels, goal setting.
- Session 3: meal planning, cholesterol/heart health, diabetes changes over time, activity.
- Nurse visit: glucose monitoring, pattern management, foot exam, medication issues.
- Dietitian visit: meal plan review, carbohydrate counting advanced.
- Session 4: A1C retest, strategies for ongoing success, free resources (Calorie King book).
See also: Services for People with Type 1 Diabetes
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
An advanced program that allows for real-time, continuous glucose readings. This information allows an in-depth look into challenging glucose patterns in order to optimize control. Ideal for those taking insulin (both Type 1 and 2), those with complicated diabetes medication regimes or individuals who experience frequent episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). During the first session, participants attend an introductory class and are placed on the continuous glucose monitoring device. One week later, the device is removed, data is downloaded and the information is analyzed. Offered twice a month. Patients new to our center will need a one-hour, pre-class appointment.
Referral required; call for assistance, or dates and times.
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Prediabetes Classes
This two-part series will help you to understand the factors which can lead to diabetes, and how you can make lifestyle changes to prevent it. The first class covers how diabetes develops, prevention diet, exercise, and other issues. The second class covers how to overcome obstacles to change, and setting goals for a healthy regimen.
See also: Healthwise: What is Prediabetes
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Support Groups
Adult Diabetes Support Groups
These on-going support groups provide an opportunity to share experiences and learn new strategies from other adults with diabetes. Meetings are facilitated by a Social Worker and Certified Diabetes Educator. The morning session has a Type 2 focus.
- Adult Diabetes Support Groups morning sessions
- Adult Diabetes Support Groups evening sessions
Insulin Pump Support Group
On-going insulin pump support group for patients using or considering an insulin pump. Join this energetic group of pumpers and share your experiences as you learn new strategies from others. Topics set by group members. Meetings facilitated by a Social Worker, Certified Diabetes Educators and fellow pumpers. This support group meets once every six weeks from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Please call the Center for Diabetes Services at 415-600-0506 for more information regarding times and locations of these classes and support groups.
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Current Class Schedule
See: Current Classes Schedule
2011 Schedule at a glance:
Diabetes - Individual Education (Type 1 or 2) January - December 2011 Individual appointments for Diabetes Education. Available for those needing specific counseling (for example, insulin therapy initiation), or for those with special needs (physical limitations, non-English speaking, etc.). The American Diabetes Association recognizes this education service as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education. This dynamic, research-based program is patient-focused and taught by our expert staff of nurses, dietitians and a clinical social worker. Referral required. Call for appointment.
Daily M-F Time: 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM
Diabetes - Type 2 education -- Class #1 (of 4) January - December 2011 First of a series of four classes for people with Type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recognizes this education service as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education. The series of classes and one-on-one appointments are tailored to meet individual needs. This dynamic, research-based program is patient-focused and taught by our expert staff of nurses, dietitians and a clinical social worker.
Class 1 held most Mondays or Fridays; either 9am-12pm or 1:30pm to 4:30pm (call for dates/times)
Every Mon Time: 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Evert Fri Time: 9:00am to 12pm
Diabetes - Type 2 education -- Classes 2-3-4 January - December 2011 Second, Third and Fourth of a series of four classes for people with Type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recognizes this education service as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education. The series of classes and one-on-one appointments are tailored to meet individual needs. This dynamic, research-based program is patient-focused and taught by our expert staff of nurses, dietitians and a clinical social worker. There is 1 week between classes 2 & 3 and 2 months between classes 3 & 4.
Classes 2-3-4 offered Tuesday afternoons(1:30-4pm), Thursdays mornings (9-11:30am), or Thursday evenings (6-8:30pm). Scheduled at class 1.
Call for dates
Diabetes - Prediabetes Class 1 of 2
January - December 2011
Part 1 of a 2-part program designed to teach you the tools proven in research to prevent diabetes. Medicare insurance does not cover prediabetes education.
Second Mondays 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
(this class is again offered the 2nd Monday monthly, except November & December, which is the first monday)
Diabetes - Prediabetes Class 2 of 2
January - December 2011
Part 1 of a 2-part program designed to teach you the tools proven in research to prevent diabetes. Medicare insurance does not cover prediabetes education.
(this class is offered 10 days after part 1 class, often the 3rd Wednesday
(except February & March & June which are 4th Wednesday) and (except in December which is the second Wednesday)
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Diabetes- Adult Endocrinology Services
January - December 2011
A multidisciplinary clinic with the goal of managing difficult-to-control Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Patients are seen by an endocrinologist (a doctor who specializes in diabetes), certified diabetes educators (registered nurses, dietitians and social workers) and medical residents. Patients will meet with different members of the team depending on specific needs. Referral required. Call for appointment.
Mondays (Call for time) of every month
(no changes to this announcement)
Third Wednesday (Call for time)
Fourth Wednesday (Call for time) of every month
(these on wednesdays have been cancelled)
Diabetes--Intensive Mangement Series -- Class 1 of 2
January - November 2011
An advanced insulin management program designed for people with Type 1 diabetes and people who are interested in an insulin pump. Patients new to our center will need a 1½ hour, pre-class appointment. Topics include: carbohydrate counting, finding your insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio and adjustment of insulin to meet your target goal.
Third Friday 1:00 - 4:00 PM for every other month
(this is now being offered every other month: January, March, May, July, September) (November changed to second friday)
Diabetes--Intensive Mangement Series -- Class 2 of 2
January - November 2011
An advanced insulin management program designed for people with Type 1 diabetes and people who are interested in an insulin pump. Patients new to our center will need a 1½ hour, pre-class appointment. Topics include: carbohydrate counting, finding your insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio and adjustment of insulin to meet your target goal.
Fourth Friday 1:00 - 4:00 PM of every month
(this is now being offered every other month: January, March, May, July, September) (November changed to third friday)
Diabetes--Continuous Glucose Monitoring (this is in MyLifeStages.com for December 2010)
November-December 2011
An advanced program that allows for real-time, continuous glucose readings. This information allows an in-depth look into challenging glucose patterns in order to optimize control. Ideal for those taking insulin (both Type 1 and 2), those with complicated diabetes medication regimes or individuals who experience frequent episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). During the first session, participants attend an introductory class and are placed on the continuous glucose monitoring device (Dexcom). One week later, the device is removed, data is downloaded and the information is analyzed. Offered monthly. Patients new to our center will need a 1½-hour, pre-class appointment.
First Wednesday 1:00 - 3:00 PM of every month for placement (2 hour class)
Second Wednesday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM for analysis (1 hour appointment)
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Current Support Groups
See: Current Support Groups Schedule
2011 Schedule at a Glance:
Diabetes Evening Support Group
January - December 2011
Adult Diabetes Support Group provides an opportunity to share experiences and learn new strategies.
Evening format: 6pm - 6:30pm presentation. 6:30pm – 8pm Group discussion.
Moderated by a certified diabetes educator. No registration necessary. Free. Call for topics (415)600-0506
Diabetes Evening Support Group
Second Thursday 6:00 - 8:30 PM of every month
Diabetes Daytime Support Group
January - November 2011
Adult Diabetes Support Group provides an opportunity to share experiences and learn new strategies.
Time: 11am to 12:30pm. Moderated by a certified diabetes educator. Free. Call for topics (415)600-0506 or to
Diabetes Daytime Support Group
Fourth Wednesday 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM of every month (except November which is 5th Wednesday)
Diabetes Type 1/ Insulin Pump Support Group
January - December 2011
On-going insulin pump support group for patients using an insulin pump. Join this energetic group of pumpers and Type 1 diabetics and share your experiences as you learn new strategies from others. Topics set by group members. Meetings facilitated by a certified diabetes educators and fellow pumpers. Time: 6 to 7:30pm. Free. Call for topics (415)600-0506
Diabetes Type 1/ Insulin Pump Support Group
Every 6 weeks Wednesday 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (January 5, February 16, March 30, May 11, June 22, August 3, September 14, October 26 & December 7)
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Learn More About Your Health
For more information on classes and other diabetes related services available at California Pacific Medical Center, please visit our Health Information section.
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