Diabetes Education Centre - Services

If you are seriously considering an insulin pump, attend this class to learn about the various insulin pumps available, the minimum criteria and the Ministry of Health’s (Assistive Devices Program), and hear the experiences of an individual who wears an insulin pump.

The first of two classes to get you started once you have your insulin pump.
The pre pump class covers information about the different tubing and injector devices, what pump supplies to order, site selection and insulin doses for the pump, preparing a pump emergency kit, and the required blood glucose monitoring.  A review of hypoglycemia treatment, hyperglycemia protocol and DKA prevention is also covered.

At the end of this class, you will go home with your insulin pump programmed and inserted.  This class will teach you how to navigate through the various menu options in the pump and have you program your basal rates. You will prepare your pump for use and insert it with the injector device you select.  Key features of the pump including suspending your pump and running temporary basal rates will be discussed so you will have the information needed to go home safely.

Advanced features of the pump are covered in separate classes.

Get the most out of your pump by learning to use the advanced features including Bolus Wizard, temporary basals, patterns for weekends or sports, capture events, using the sensor and CareLink.

This class is for people planning to wear the Medtronic sensor and transition to auto mode. It will help you understand the difference between sensor glucose and meter glucose readings, learn how to insert the sensor, know when and how to calibrate and how to program your personalized sensor settings.

You will learn about how the automated basal feature works and what to expect when operating your pump in auto mode.

• Getting Started (3 hours)
  What is diabetes?
  What causes diabetes?
  Blood sugar monitoring and targets
  Benefits of physical activity
  Healthy eating basics
  Meal planning strategies
• Taking Charge (3 hours)
  Factors affecting blood sugars
  Complications of diabetes
  Carbohydrate counting
  Introduction to label reading
  Heart healthy eating
• Reviewing Medications (2.5 hours)
  Diabetes medications
  Hypoglycemia and driving guidelines
  Medications affecting blood sugars
  Over-the-couner and herbal medications
  Sick day management
  Special considerations
  Other medications commonly used by people with diabetes
• Moving Forward (1.5 hours)
  'Exercise is medicine'  - physical activity for health and wellness
  Pre-activity screening - general health questions and a brief medical assessment
  Overview of the 12-week Diabetes Fitness and Lifestyle Program, including sessions at the YMCA
  
  View a video about the 12-week supervised fitness and lifestyle program held at the downtown YMCA and hear what a patient has to say about the experience.

A group session held 6 to 12 months after the Living Healthy with Type 2 Diabetes classes to review and update information important for your diabetes management. 

Some of the topics that will be discussed are: blood glucose checking, medications, weight management, activity and meal plan review. 

Learn to accurately determine the carbohydrate content of foods and match carbs with your insulin. This class is for all individuals on MDI (multiple daily injections of insulin) and is recommended for those considering an insulin pump.

Learn about blood fats and how to modify your lifestyle choices to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Topics discussed include food fat terminology, lowering salt intake, reading food labels to make heart healthy choices and incorporating activity into your lifestyle.