Projects
THIS UNIQUE COMPREHENSIVE DIABETES EDUCATION PROGRAM WILL INCLUDE:
Week 1 :
Introduction to diabetes – Dr. Priti Modi
WEEK 2 :
Diabetes overview -in a Nutshell – Certified Diabetes Educator
WEEK 3 :
Upper extremity and neck exercises – Physical Therapist
WEEK 4 :
Diet and diabetes lecture – Certified Nutritionist
WEEK 5 :
Different topics – Physician Featured Lecture
WEEK 6 :
Diabetes monitoring - Certified Diabetes Educator
WEEK 7 :
Lower extremity & back exercises - Physical Therapist
WEEK 8 :
Food demonstrations – Certified Nutritionist
WEEK 9 :
Different topics – Physician Featured Lecture
WEEK 10 :
Carb and Calorie Counting, diabetic plate, portions, shopping – Certified Diabetes Educator
WEEK 11 :
Trunk and other alternative exercises (yoga, Pilates, etc.) –
WEEK 12 :
Food demonstrations, smart shopping & cooking – Certified Nutritionist
WEEK 13 :
Different topics – Physician Featured Lecture
WHAT IS THE OPERATIONAL PLAN FOR THE DIABETES EDUCATION PROGRAM?
The entire program will be divided into a 3-month course (13 weeks) for each batch of patients. Initially, we plan to enroll about 40 patients in each batch. There will be one session of 1-1.5 hours every week for 13 weeks.
Each patient will be charged $30 for the registration for a full 3-month program, which is equivalent to $10 per month. Patient’s insurance will be charged for group education classes for each session which will be canceled if insurance does not pay, and then the patient will not be charged balance billing. If paying cash for it, the entire program cost will be $250 which will include Registration cost. If you are unable to pay whole fees, we will have a charitable application to apply for a reduction to fees to $ 30 just for the registration. The cost will be absorbed by the non-profit organization.
The prescription for CGMS sensors can be sent by PCPs if they are covered by the patient’s insurance. If a patient has Medicare, we can also provide RPM (which can include a DM monitor) and CCM program to closely monitor these patients. If a patient’s insurance doesn’t cover CGMS but covers a regular diabetic monitor, the prescription can be sent to insurance by PCPs along with other supplies like lancets and strips for the device. In case a patient has no insurance, we can provide them with generic diabetic monitors and supplies, free of charge for a short term in the initiation kit.
Each month, the program will feature sessions led by various physicians, including endocrinologists, nephrologists, ophthalmologists, podiatrists, and cardiologists. These physicians will discuss how diabetes affects their respective systems and the complications that can arise as a result.
The program will provide participants with the necessary tools to monitor their diabetes, such as blood sugar diaries, activity and diet diaries, a DM monitor and supplies or CGMS reader and diabetic sensors, meal preparation books, carb counting resources, ready-made meal plans of various calorie counts, a weight scale, pedometer, jump rope, and measuring tape. Participants with Medicare can also access RPM (including a DM monitor) and CCM programs for closer monitoring.
The program aims to educate participants on the details of diabetes, how to monitor it, prevent complications, and improve their diet and lifestyle through sensible eating choices, exercise, weight control, stress reduction, blood sugar and blood pressure management.
We also have a Diabetes Feature film to show the real life impact of Diabetes so as to take Diabetes treatment, prevention very seriously.
At the beginning of the program, each patient will be given a kit that includes various items to help them monitor their diabetes and learn about various aspects of DM. These items may include, but not limited to: DM blood sugar diaries, activity and diet diaries, a DM monitor and supplies or a CGMS reader and diabetic sensors (the cost of these items may vary depending on insurance coverage), books for meal preparation, a diabetic portion plate, a carb counting book, a calorie count book, some ready-made meal plans of various calorie counts, a weight scale, a pedometer, a jump rope, a measuring tape, diabetic handouts, a diabetic log book, and forms to be filled out to start the program.
Participants will be given guidelines to attend this program, as well as instructions for the required 3-monthly blood work, annual eye exam, foot exam, and annual physical with labs and ABI to prevent complications and better manage diabetes.
Certified Diabetes Educators will conduct monthly sessions to provide detailed information on diabetes, including how to measure blood sugars, count calories, perform carb counting, plan meals, make food choices, and navigate grocery shopping. They will also cover topics such as insulin administration, preventing and treating hypo and hyperglycemia, and keeping blood sugar, activity, and diet diaries. They will also address medication timing.
Physical therapists will lead monthly sessions focusing on exercises for different parts of the body, including upper extremities, neck, back, lower extremities, and trunk. They will also introduce alternate exercises such as chair exercises, Pilates, weight training, breathing exercises, and yoga.
The program will include food and cooking demonstrations, as well as nutrition education sessions.
