Diabetes is a serious disease that can affect nearly every part of the body. Getting the facts and skills to take charge of your health can make a difference. With the help of our team, you and your family can learn how to successfully self-manage diabetes by:

• Understanding what diabetes is and how it affects your body
• Understanding how diabetes medications work
• Finding what types of food are best for you and how to plan meals that fit your life and budget
• Fitting physical activity into your day, no matter your schedule or current fitness level
• Making sense of blood sugar numbers, interpreting your results and making them work for you
• Discovering apps, technology and other tools to track your progress
• Minimizing stress and solving problems as they arise
• Mastering the self-care skills to reduce the risk of complications

Depending on your health needs and physician’s recommendations, you may meet with your Diabetes Care & Education Specialist either individually, in a group, or both. Ask your doctor for a referral. You can also call us at (770) 793-7828 or e-mail us at [email protected]

With a physician referral, appointments are often covered by Medicare and most insurance plans, depending on your specific health coverage. Upon setting an appointment, each patient receives a personalized cost estimate.

To stay updated with the latest diabetes information, you can attend a refresher course — even if you’ve already had diabetes education in the past. Tailored to fit your individual needs, refresher appointments can help you stay on track or regain control of your diabetes health.

After completing the diabetes education program, many participants show positive health and behavior improvements, including:

• Better control of blood sugar and lower hemoglobin A1C
• Lower risk for diabetes-related complications
• Better knowledge of diabetes as a whole
• More confidence in managing diabetes
• Improved meal planning
• Increased physical activity
• Better problem-solving and daily coping skills

Appointments are offered at several locations, including close to Wellstar Kennestone Regional, Wellstar Douglas and Wellstar Paulding Medical Centers. If the physical locations are not convenient for you, video visits are available.

Living with diabetes can be a lot of work, but you don't have to do it alone. Others living with diabetes understand firsthand what you're going through. You can connect with support communities online or face-to-face which share their experience and encouragement for your journey of living with diabetes.

Diabetes Support Groups (in English)

Los Grupos de Apoyo Para la Diabetes (en Español)