Diabetes Education
Recognized Programs
The Diabetes Self-Management Program at St. Joseph's in Breese has been granted recognition by the American Diabetes Association.
Recognition means the hospital's program:
• Meets national standards as developed and tested under the National Diabetes Advisory Board; and
• Has knowledgeable health professionals who can provide comprehensive information about diabetes management.
Being recognized also means Medicare now covers the cost of diabetes education and dietitian consults for diabetics.
The Diabetes Education team includes:
• Certified Diabetes Educator Connie Gebke
• Certified Diabetes Educator Barb Voss
• Licensed Dietitian Louise Joseph
All work together to help a patient understand his or her illness and achieve compliance with medication, diet and exercise.
Diabetes Support Group
St. Joseph's in Breese also sponsors a diabetes support group at 6 p.m. the first Monday of alternating months. Topics and speakers are announced in the local media; those interested may, by request, be included on the mailing list. Meetings generally feature a presentation by a medical professional and time for questions.
Types, Risk Factors & Symptoms
There are three major types of diabetes:
• Type 1 , when the body's pancreas fails to produce insulin;
• Type 2 , when the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that is made; and
• Gestational , when a woman develops elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
Risk factors for Type 2 include:
• Being over 45 years old
• Obesity
• Poor eating habits
• Inactivity
Symptoms include:
• Fatigue
• Increased hunger or thirst
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss
• Irritability
• Vision changes
Some people show no symptoms and must be diagnosed through an annual physical or blood chemistry work. Anyone exhibiting one or more symptoms should contact their physician immediately.
For more information, contact the Specialty Clinics at 618.526-5743 or email Barb Voss.
Nutritional Counseling
A licensed dietitian is available to help with special diets and weight management. Call 618.526-8585 for details.
KEYs-4-Life Diabetes
KEYs-4-Life Diabetes is available at the hospital HealthPlex. This program includes presentations by a registered nurse and certified athletic trainer plus eight weeks of access to the HealthPlex exercise facility. Blood pressure and weight is checked weekly with a final evaluation at the end of eight weeks.
Cost is $60 and participants can continue using the exercise facility after the initial eight weeks for $30 a month.
Participants must be cleared by a physician before beginning. For information, physician referral and registration forms, contact 526-5743 or email Barb Voss. Physician clearance forms are also available below.
Physician's Referral Form
Registration Form
