RMH is certified through the American Diabetes Association. Patients who stay on top of the latest information are more likely to remain healthy. The American Diabetes Association often changes the Standards of Care to keep pace with the most recent scientific findings on diabetes. For example, blood sugar levels once considered acceptable are much stricter, but diet guidelines are more flexible. The focus of the diabetes diet used to be sugar, but that is no longer the case.

Ransom Memorial Hospital offers education in:

1. Blood sugar monitoring
2. Insulin self-management skills
3. Byetta and Symlin
4. Oral medication self-management skills
5. Hyperlipidemia --- managing your cholesterol
6. Nutrition counseling and meal planning
7. Gestational Diabetes --- Diabetes counseling during pregnancy
8. Insulin Pump Therapy
9. Blood Pressure, Foot Care, Kidney Disease, Stress Management Smoking & Behavioral Changes

A physician referral is required to attend. Medicare and private insurance usually cover the cost of the class.

Diabetes Support Group

The group discusses issues related to the diagnosis and management of diabetes. You’ll learn about the latest treatments, medications, nutrition and lifestyle changes. Sessions are free and feature experts in diabetes such as physicians or representatives from American Diabetes Association.

Meetings are the third Monday of each month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Ransom Memorial Hospital. They do not meet in December, July & August. For more information, please contact Brenda Pfizenmaier at 785-229-8458.

Nutrition

Instruction on special diets, meal preparation, and nutrition management are available on an outpatient basis. Emphasis is placed on lifestyle changes including exercise that will benefit the entire family. Counseling will be individualized. For more information, please contact one of our Clinical Dietitians at 785-229-8365 or 785-229-8458.