Diabetes Center
Learn to Live a Heallthy Life Undestanding Diabetes
Diabetes affects at least 16 to 18 million people in the United States each year. It is estimated that nearly eight million of those with diabetes have not been diagnosed. If left untreated, diabetes can cause heart and kidney disease, blindness, and circulation problems. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, you can learn the skills needed to live a full and healthy life.
Who Can Benefit?
Our programs and services are designed to benefit individuals:
- Diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
- Whose diabetes is out of control
- With Gestational diabetes (diabetes with pregnancy)
- New to insulin or starting an insulin pump
- With nutrition needs in
regards to exercise, obesity, hypoglycemia, hyperlipidemia, or other special dietary needs.
Our Staff
Program staff includes your physician, certified diabetes nurse educators, dietitians, and exercise specialists. This team will determine your current level of diabetes control, your understanding of diabetes and your lifestyle needs, and work with you to develop a self-management program that will fit your needs.
Our Center
The Florida Hospital Heartland Diabetes Center has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education.* We are committed to providing the latest information to all people with diabetes and their families. We believe that people with diabetes can lead healthy, productive, enjoyable lives.
Our health care team works closely with your physician to help you become skilled in diabetes self-management. Your physician will receive a summary of your visits in order to include your new skills and knowledge into your ongoing health care plan.
*The American Diabetes Association recognizes this education service as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.
You & Your Family
We realize how important it is to include your family in this process. You must manage all aspects of your life every day to maintain your health. Meal preparation, daily exercise, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and taking medications appropriately becomes routine for you and your family members. That’s why we encourage you to bring one member of your family with you when you visit the Center.
Insurance Coverage
Chapter 96-279 Florida Law requires health insurance policies and HMO contracts sold in Florida to provide coverage for medically necessary diabetes supplies and self-management training. This law also covers Medicare beneficiaries. A referral from your primary care physician is necessary for insurance and Medicare reimbursement.
Medicare Benefits
As of January 1, 2004, Medicare has updated the requirements for education reimbursement, and will allow a 10-hour education class with 3 hours of additional Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) as a one-time benefit to any beneficiary who has a diagnosis of diabetes. Medicare will also allow up to 2 hours of additional education and 2 hours of MNT each calendar year after the initial training as follow-up.
Self Management Training
Our program is a 10-hour comprehensive education program that is taught in 4 sessions, of 2.5 hours each. The group classes cover the following areas:
- What diabetes is and how to control it
- How to monitor blood glucose
- Nutrition counseling for diabetes, cardiac and lifestyle management
- Individualized meal plan
- Guidelines for meal planning, dining out, grocery shopping, label reading and travel
- The role of exercise, nutrition and medication in diabetes control
- Insulin and medication instruction
- Diabetes management during illness
- Prevention, recognition and treatment of diabetes emergencies and complications
- Stress management
- Setting goals for a healthy lifestyle
- Preconception care and gestational diabetes
Individual sessions for special needs also available. Class size is limited for group programs in order to provide you with personal attention.
Contact Us
To register for a class or for additional information, please call (863) 402-0177 or fax (863) 402-0220. Located at 4023 Sun ‘n Lake Blvd., Sebring, FL 33872.