Diabetes Education Program
Instruction in monitoring and treatment for patients
with diabetes and their families.
Diabetes Education
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you join millions of Americans who
lead productive lives by monitoring and treating their diabetes every day.
Fortunately, products for monitoring and treating diabetes are effective and
readily available, allowing people to take control of their own care. Cayuga Medical
Center and the Cayuga Center
for Healthy Living offer an affordable, comprehensive diabetes education
program where you and your family can learn to take an active role in
controlling your diabetes, and lead a normal, active life.
About The Diabetes Education Classes
Each series of classes is presented as three two-hour sessions, typically on
three consecutive days. Classes meet at Cayuga
Center for Healthy Living, which is
located at the Island
Health Center
on the Cayuga Lake Inlet. Class size is limited, in order to personalize
materials and instruction. Instructors include: Cindy Parlett,
RN; registered dietitian Deb Siegert, MSEd, RD, CDE; and pharmacist Ann Marie Esposito, RPh.
Before the classes begin, each class member is asked to attend a
pre-assessment interview. This enables us to tailor
the program information for each participant.
Day One- . . . includes a discussion of diabetes basics - what
diabetes is; finger stick monitoring; and the
important role of exercise in diabetes treatment.
Day Two- . . . our pharmacist discusses oral diabetes
medicines and insulin; proper storage of medicines; injecting insulin; safely
using alcoholic beverages; personal health habits that prevent acute and
chronic problems e.g. handling stress, foot care, and the importance of seeing
a dentist and eye doctor regularly.
Day Three- . . . concentrates on eating habits and realistic
ways to develop menus that will allow participants to plan to have their
favorite treats on occasion and still maintain their health. Eating out,
cholesterol control, and weight management are also discussed.
Diabetes Education Program Instructors
Cindy Parlett, RN, BSN, CDE, CETN
Cindy is a registered nurse and diabetes educator and coordinates the
Diabetes Education Program at Cayuga Medical Center
at Ithaca. Her
classes cover basic information about diabetes, including control and
monitoring of blood glucose levels, the role of diet and exercise, and personal
health and care.
Deb Siegert, MSEd,
RD, CDE
Deb is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. In her
classes she teaches proper diet and realistic menu planning, carbohydrate
counting, setting goals and reading food labels. Preparation for dining out is
discussed.
Ann Marie Esposito, RPh
Ann Marie is a pharmacist who is trained in diabetes management. In her
class she explains how oral diabetes medicines and insulin are used to control
blood sugar, how to prevent medication side effects and drug interactions, and
precautions for travel and safe use of alcoholic beverages.
To register please call Jamie Balas at Cayuga Center
for Healthy Living at 252-3590.
Class Location
Cayuga Center for Healthy Living
Cost
Most types of insurance will cover the cost for the classes.