Diabetes can affect many parts of your body, sometimes causing permanent damage. If left untreated, the disease can lead to heart and kidney disease, amputations, blindness and other serious health problems.
When people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels, they can reduce the long-term complications of the disease.
At the Providence Diabetes Center, which is certified by the American Diabetes 
Association, you can learn how to manage your diabetes and lower your risk for complications.
Providence’s Diabetes Center offers the opportunity to learn about diabetes and the role each person plays in living well with diabetes.
Education
Basic education and skills classes consist of two hour sessions offered for four consecutive weeks. They are offered in the morning, afternoon and evenings. There is an all day Saturday class for those who need it.
The classes consist of these sessions:
- An overview of diabetes, monitoring and medications.
- Basic nutrition for people with diabetes.
- Learning about acute and chronic complications and ways to prevent them including exercise, behavior change and goal setting.
- Individualized meal planning and fitting carbohydrates into your daily routine
Other classes offered to meet more individual needs:
• Weight Management
• Insulin and Injectable classes
• Hyperlipidemia for cholesterol control
• Monitoring Instruction
• Pre and Post Pump Education
• Gestational Diabetes
Medicare and other insurance frequently cover all or part of the cost of classes. Grant money is available on an individual basis and requires application.
For more information, talk to your physician or call the Diabetes Center
at 913-596-3970.
Diabetes Support Group
The Providence Diabetes Center has established a special group that discusses issues related to the diagnosis and management of diabetes in a supportive environment. Sessions are free.
Second Monday of the Month
Providence Medical Center
Keenan Education Center Classroom C
10 to 11 a.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Saint John Hospital
Medical Plaza Education Center
2 to 3 p.m.
For more information on the diabetes support group, please call 913-596-3970.
Weight Management Support Group
The Diabetes Center hosts an informative, monthly meeting that focuses on losing weight and keeping it off in a supportive environment. Healthy lifestyle change tips and recipes provided.
Second Monday of the Month
Doctors' Building, Suite 560
5 to 6 p.m.
For more information on the weight management support group, please call 913-596-3970.
Dining Club
The Diabetes Center offers a Dining Club that meets several times a year. The quarterly event features a delicious meal and a chance for social interaction. At the meal local chefs and health care professionals provide education including practical tips for making healthy food choices, suggestions on how to cook and select different types of food and a variety of healthy recipes. Costs varies each time, based on meal and location.
For more information on the date and location of the next dining club, please call 913-596-3970.