Comprehensive support and resources from diabetes education specialists

Managing diabetes often requires effort, but the right support can make it feel easier and lead to better health and well-being. Our certified diabetes care and education specialists can give you the tools you need to live well, while providing ongoing support through any changes or transitions that life brings your way.

At HealthPartners and Park Nicollet, we take a collaborative, evidence-based approach to diabetes education. In partnership with the International Diabetes Center and the other members of your care team, we use the latest research and innovative technology to help you live better with diabetes.

With a referral from your primary care provider or endocrinologist, our scheduling team can reach out to arrange a virtual or in-person visit with an experienced diabetes care and education specialist at one of nearly 30 locations throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. You may also choose and call a location that’s convenient for you.

Many of our diabetes specialists are certified through the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education . This means that they’ve undergone additional training to prove their expertise in educating and supporting people with diabetes. These specialists will also collaborate with primary care providers and other members of your care team, and help you navigate health care as a person with a chronic health condition.

When you schedule a one-on-one education visit with one of our diabetes specialists, you’ll learn about many different aspects of living with diabetes, including:

• Monitoring your glucose (blood sugar) – How and when to check your glucose and what your target ranges are.
• Eating healthy – Creating an eating plan that satisfies your tastes and preferences.
• Being physically active – Developing an activity plan that’s enjoyable and fits your lifestyle.
• Taking medication – Understanding your medication options and how they’ll work for your needs and budget.
• Solving problems – Ways to identify and address issues as they come up, such as what to do when you get sick.
• Managing stress – Tips for dealing with stress and where to get support if you need it.
• Reducing risks – What you can do to prevent complications from diabetes.

The more information you bring to your visit, the more your diabetes specialist can personalize their recommendations to fit your needs and lifestyle. If you already check your glucose, plan to bring your glucose monitor and a log of your results. Other information that will be helpful for your visit includes your:

• Work schedule
• Sleeping patterns
• Activity level
• Stress level
• Other health conditions

We offer a robust range of services in addition to one-on-one education appointments. Here are some of the highlights.

Many people find it helpful to learn and share with people who have similar life experiences. Many of our diabetes education locations offer either virtual or in-person group appointments, so you can learn to live well in a supportive environment alongside people you can relate to. Group appointments vary by location, so ask about current offerings when you schedule your visit.

We want to ensure that you receive the best possible care. Through our partnership with the International Diabetes Center, we have access to knowledge, tools and best practices developed from hundreds of research studies, including landmark studies conducted with the National Institutes of Health.

You shouldn’t have to come in for an appointment every time you have questions or need an insulin adjustment. To that end, we’re developing a remote monitoring program to help eligible patients stay on top of their health needs in real time, wherever they happen to be.