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.

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).

• 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.

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.

• What is Prediabetes?

Support Groups

Calendar of Diabetes Support Group meetings

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.
2010 morning sessions
The evening session is open for all people with or at risk for diabetes.
2010 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.
2010 Insulin Pump Support Group meetings

Please call the Center for Diabetes Services at 415-600-0506 for more information regarding times and locations of these classes and support groups.

Learn More About Your Health

For more information on classes and other diabetes related services available at California Pacific Medical Center, please visit our Wellness Calendar.

Search our Learning Resources for a variety of health related topices including topics specific to diabetes available in English and Chinese.