Diabetes Educational Services
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is high blood glucose levels resulting from defects in the body’s ability to produce and/or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that “unlocks” cell walls to let glucose in to be used as fuel for our bodies.
It is estimated that 1.7 million Texans, age eighteen years and older have diabetes. It is the sixth leading cause of death in Texas. Diabetes touches almost every part of your life. Over time, if left uncontrolled, diabetes can cause severe health problems including heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage and even teeth and gum problems.
Symptoms of Diabetes
If you have any of the following symptoms, please consult your physician. 
• Frequent urination
• Extreme thirst
• Unusual hunger
• Blurred vision
• Extreme fatigue
• Rapid weight loss
• Poor wound healing
• Urinary tract infections
• Tingling/numbness in feet
It is possible to have diabetes and not experience any of these symptoms.
By taking charge of your diabetes, you can do a lot to protect your health.
While there is no cure for diabetes, you can manage your blood sugars with proper meal planning, exercise and medicine. The Diabetes Program at Good Shepherd can provide the tools needed to put you in control of your diabetes. Our team consists of a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Educator; Registered, Licensed Dietitian; Exercise Physiologist; Pharmacist; and a Licensed Professional Counselor, all experienced in diabetes management and eager to help you improve your health.
Diabetes Self-Management Education
Our comprehensive program involves individual and group sessions designed to meet your busy lifestyle. Topics include:
• Diabetes Overview
• Monitoring Blood Sugar
• Acute/Chronic Complications
• Hypoglycemia/Hyperglycemia
• Meal Planning
• Carbohydrate Counting
• Food Labels
• Medications
• Physical Activity
• Sick Day Management
• Behavior Modification
• Stress Reduction
• Goal Setting
• Foot Care
Services Covered:
Type 1 Diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is not making insulin at all. It usually develops in children, but adults at any age can also get it. People with type 1 must take insulin every day.
Type 2 Diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the insulin does not work properly, known as insulin resistance. Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes is a kind of diabetes that only pregnant women get. The pregnancy causes an increase in hormones keeping insulin from working properly.
Pre-Diabetes
Pre-Diabetes means that blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Most people who have type 2 diabetes had pre-diabetes, formerly called “borderline diabetes.”
Insulin Start
Some people require insulin to manage their diabetes, given in the form of injections.
Insulin Pump Therapy
Insulin pumps deliver small amounts of insulin throughout the day and are used in place of daily injections.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Medical Nutrition involves nutrition counseling provided by a registered, licensed dietitian tailored to the personal needs of the individual with pre-diabetes or diabetes. MNT services are also available for other disease processes, including, but not limited to: obesity, renal disease, hyperlipidemia, GERD, celiac disease, and others.
Make the decision to take charge and start living a healthier lifestyle today.
Please call 903-323-6580 to schedule an appointment or request additional information. All appointments are held at the Institute for Healthy Living. Services require a physician’s referral and are covered by Medicare and most private insurances.