Diabetes Self-Management Education
At Summit Health, our certified diabetes educators and board-certified endocrinologists work side by side with you to make blood sugar management feel clear, doable, and part of everyday life.
Overview
Living with diabetes takes daily attention, but you don't have to manage it alone. At Summit Health, our certified diabetes educators and board-certified endocrinologists work side by side with you to make blood sugar management feel clear, doable, and part of everyday life.
Diabetes means there is too much sugar, or glucose, in your blood. Your body turns much of the food you eat into glucose, then uses a hormone called insulin to move that sugar from your bloodstream into your cells for energy. When your body doesn't make enough insulin or has trouble using it, sugar builds up in your blood. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the vessels that carry blood to your organs, raising your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss, and nerve problems. The encouraging news? With good diabetes care and the right education, you can lower those risks and feel more in control.
Our diabetes self-management education program supports adults with diabetes, pregnant women, and the family members who help care for them. We meet you where you are and build a plan around your goals. Together, we focus on:
- Blood sugar control through balanced nutrition, regular movement, and medication when needed
- Diet and healthy eating guidance tailored to your routine and preferences
- Exercise planning that fits your life and abilities
- Medication management, including how and when to take each prescription
- Weight loss and weight management support for lasting results
- Self blood glucose monitoring, so you understand your numbers and what they mean
- Appointment reminders for checkups, eye exams, and foot care, so nothing slips through the cracks
Our experienced team includes endocrinologists and certified diabetes educators with advanced training in diabetes management. Whether you were recently diagnosed or have lived with diabetes for years, Summit Health diabetes services give you the knowledge and confidence to take charge of your health.
Conditions and procedures
Our diabetes educators care for a full range of conditions and offer education and procedures designed to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.
Conditions we treat
- Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune condition in which the body makes little or no insulin. We help you master insulin dosing, carbohydrate counting, and daily monitoring.
- Type 2 diabetes: The most common form, where the body doesn't use insulin well. We focus on lifestyle changes, medication management, and steady blood sugar control.
- Gestational diabetes: Diabetes that develops during pregnancy. We support expecting mothers with careful monitoring and nutrition guidance to protect both mom and baby.
- Prediabetes: Higher-than-normal blood sugar that hasn't reached diabetes levels. Early education and small changes can help you prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
Procedures and education we provide
- Glucose monitoring: Learn how to check your blood sugar, read your results, and use continuous glucose monitors when appropriate.
- Insulin management: Get hands-on guidance for injections, pens, pumps, and safe dosing.
- Nutrition counseling: Work with registered dietitians to build meal plans that support balanced blood sugar and your overall health.
- Foot care: Protect against nerve damage and infection with routine checks and practical tips.
- Eye care coordination: Stay on schedule with the vision screenings that help catch diabetes-related eye problems early.
Our specialists
Andrew Parziale, MD
Endocrinology, Weight Management
Mary Friesz, PhD, RDN, CDCES
Nutrition Services, Nutrition and Registered Dietitian
Mildred Bentler, MA, RD, CDE
Nutrition Services, Pediatric Nutrition, Nutrition and Registered Dietitian
Leslie Killeen, MS, RDN, CDCES
Nutrition Services, Nutrition and Registered Dietitian
Alexa Bacino, RD, CDE
Pediatric Nutrition, Nutrition Services, Nutrition and Registered Dietitian
Simone Gampel, RD, CDE
Nutrition Services
Kim Gately, RDN
Weight Management, Nutrition ServicesHow to manage blood sugar and diabetes
Learning how to manage your condition is critical when you have diabetes. One of the most important ways to keep tabs on your health is to check your blood sugar regularly throughout the day.
Patient resources
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a personalized program that teaches you the skills to manage diabetes with confidence. You'll learn about healthy eating, physical activity, blood sugar monitoring, medication, and how to prevent complications, all guided by certified diabetes educators.
Our program supports adults with type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, or prediabetes, along with the family members who help care for them. Pregnant women managing diabetes are welcome, too.
Many patients come to us through a referral from their primary care provider or endocrinologist, and some insurance plans require one for coverage. We recommend checking with your provider and your plan before you schedule.
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover diabetes self-management education when certain criteria are met. Coverage varies, so it's a good idea to confirm the details with your insurer ahead of your visit.
Your first appointment focuses on getting to know you. Your diabetes educator will review your health history, current medications, and daily routine, then work with you to set clear, realistic goals. You'll leave with practical next steps you can start right away.
That depends on your needs and goals. Some patients benefit from a few focused sessions, while others prefer ongoing support. We'll build a schedule that works for you and adjust it as your needs change.
Getting started is easy. Reach out to schedule an appointment with one of our certified diabetes educators, and we'll help you take the first step toward better blood sugar management and lasting diabetes care.