VMC has the tools to help you reclaim your good health

Your First Appointment?  

Save time when you arrive—print, complete and bring your assessment form with you!

For an individual Diabetes appointment or group class: Initial Assessment Form

For a Gestational Diabetes appointment or group class: Gestational Diabetes Assessment Form.)

Its costs are both direct—billions in lost productivity—and intangible: a life lived less fully, a parent lost too soon, chances missed. At The Diabetes Education & Nutrition Clinic  we understand a variety of tools are necessary when diabetes is present. Education, resources, help, and inspiration can help you manage the disease of diabetes—so that diabetes doesn’t manage you.

The American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) offers guidelines to ensure that those with diabetes receive the most up-to-date information available. The Diabetes Education & Nutrition Clinic, an AADE-recognized program, offers a team of highly trained nurses and registered dietitians. These specialists lead a variety of classes and individual consultations. They can help, whether you have just been diagnosed with diabetes or have been living with the disease for many years.

Classes offered by The Diabetes Education & Nutrition Clinic are typically covered by insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid (DSHS). Valley Medical Center will bill your insurance company directly for these education services.

For financial counseling please call 425.228.3440, ext. 4957.

For The Diabetes Education & Nutrition Clinic call 425.656.5377.

Classes & Free Informational Seminars
 
Description
 
How to Register
 
 Free Informational seminars From time to time, VMC offers free "DocTalks" and educational seminars about diet and nutrition, managing diabetes and other topics. Search our calendar for upcoming events. Call 425.656.INFO
 Diabetes Q&A Test your knowledge. Take this quick online course.  
 Gestational Diabetes For expectant mothers diagnosed with gestational diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance in pregnancy. Learn what gestational diabetes is, how to monitor blood sugars, and education on meal plan guidelines. Held 1x/week. A small group or individual follow-up appointment is scheduled upon class completion. May be covered by your insurance. Fee varies. We advise you to check your benefits to determine if diabetes education is a covered benefit. Call 425.656.5377
 Individual 1:1 w/ Educator Meet individually with certified diabetes educator, registered nurse or registered dietitian for diabetes self management education. This educational option is appropriate for those diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, or those with Type 2 diabetes who have completed the "Living Well with Diabetes" class series and have individual needs (uncontrolled blood sugar, new diabetes medications, individual concerns). May be covered by insurance. Fee varies. We advise you to check your benefits to determine if diabetes education is a covered benefit. A physician's referral is required; we can assist you in getting your referral. Call 425.656.5377
 Weight Loss Services An individual consultation with a dietitian specializing in weight loss. This service is available for those even without insurance coverage. Meet with a dietitian to discuss your weight loss goals, get meal planning ideas, and suggestions for beginning an exercise program. Intitial consultation for one hour is $60, and follow-up 30 minute visits are $30 each. No doctor's referral is required. Call 425.656.5377
 Living Well with Diabetes Learn what diabetes is, how to monitor your blood sugar, blood sugar target numbers, what to eat and all other aspects of managing diabetes over a lifetime. Taught by certified diabetes educators, registered dietitians and registered nurses. May be covered by insurance. Fee varies. We advise you to check your benefits to determine if diabetes education is a covered benefit. A physician's referral is required; we can assist you in getting your referral. Call 425.656.5377
 Nutrition: Disease Prevention Prevention is a class for patients diagnosed with pre-diabetes, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight, or polycystic ovary syndrome. This 2-hour session is offered once a month. Fee varies. Call 425.656.5377
 Fitness Classes Regular exercise and physical fitness are associated with a decreased of heart disease as well as a decrease in Type 2 diabetes. Our Fitness Center has something for everyone. Call 425.656.4006

 

Tips to Prevent Complications Such as Heart Attack, Stroke

Do not use tobacco.

The American Lung Association website offers a free seven-step program to help individuals stop smoking.

Follow "heart healthy" nutrition recommendations.

  • Avoid or limit foods high in saturated fat. Choose whole foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grain breads, and cereals. Include a rainbow of food colors with your meals. Do not skip meals. Eat smaller portions, and eat throughout the day.

Exercise regularly.

  • Check with your physician before starting an exercise program.
  • Participate in aerobic exercise at least 30 minutes, 5 days per week. Walking, swimming, biking are all examples of aerobic exercise.
  • Keep your blood pressure at less than 130/80.

Check your blood pressure regularly, and notify your physician if it is consistently higher than recommended.

  • Take your blood pressure medication as prescribed.
  • Reduce salt (sodium) in the diet to less than 2,400 mg per day.

Keep your cholesterol within recommended targets.

  • Total cholesterol—less than 200
    • LDL—less than 70
    • HDL—greater than 40
    • Triglycerides—less than 150
  • Follow nutrition and exercise recommendations.
  • Get your blood cholesterol checked each year and take cholesterol medication as prescribed.

Attain and maintain a desirable body weight.

  • Exercise regularly and follow heart healthy nutrition guidelines.

Take care of your emotional well-being.

  • Learn effective strategies for coping with stress.
  • Exercise regularly to improve emotional well-being.
  • Take 1 baby aspirin daily (check with your physician before starting).