Diabetes Centers
In partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Diabetes Institute, the UPMC Diabetes Centers provide patients with comprehensive diabetes treatment and care, including access to hospitals, clinics, and physician practices — all working collaboratively.
The UPMC Diabetes Centers offer a comprehensive diabetes education program for people with diabetes. The Diabetes Self-Management Education course has been specially recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Recognition by the ADA is limited to those sites that demonstrate consistent and rigid compliance with the highest professional standards for the care and education of people with diabetes.
The number and length of classes in the course vary from location to location. Both group classes and one-to-one appointments are available at most sites.
Classes are led by a diabetes educator and/or dietitian and cover all aspects of diabetes self-management, such as:
- general information about diabetes
- healthy eating
- medicines
- blood glucose monitoring
- insulin training
- reducing the risk of complications
- activity and exercise
- coping with stress and life changes
- community resources
Other services available to people with diabetes at many UPMC locations include:
- one-to-one counseling with a registered nurse diabetes educator
- nutrition counseling by a dietitian
- diabetes support group
- insulin pump training
A physician referral is needed to sign up for the education course.