Take control of your diabetes by attending a 4-week course or an individual session offered by St. Mary Medical Center.  The course is offered every Thursday from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. for group sessions and one hour individual sessions are from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. by appointment only.

"Group sessions offer interactions and support from other people living with diabetes and participants can learn to make lifestyle changes, " said Diabetes Educator Mary Crocker, R.N., C.D.E.  "Also, our one-to-one sessions offer personalized self care planning."

Discussion includes topics such as defining diabetes, blood glucose monitoring, insulin and medical administration, nutritional management and problem solving.

The hospital's Diabetes Self-Management Education has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for Quality Self-Management Education* and is the only ADA certified program in Long Beach.

Refreshments and educational materials will be provided.  The course is offered at St. Mary Medical Center located at 1050 Linden Avenue in Long Beach.  Pre-registration is required.  A physician referral and authorization from your insurance company is also required.  To receive a registration form for your physician to complete, please call 561-491-9547

*The American Diabetes Association Recognizes this education service as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.