Diabetes Prevention & Self-Management Clinic

Nutrition plays a central role in diabetes management, but that doesn’t mean giving up your favorite foods. Together, we’ll develop a sustainable eating plan tailored to your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. You'll learn how different foods affect blood sugar and how to make balanced choices at meals and snacks. Our goal is to support a positive relationship with food while helping you reach your health goals.

Physical activity can help lower blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and boost energy and mood. We'll help you find ways to move your body that feel realistic and enjoyable, whether that’s structured exercise or incorporating more movement into your daily routine. Even small increases in activity can make a big difference in your overall health. We'll also cover how to stay safe during exercise based on your current medications and glucose levels.

Understanding your blood sugar numbers is key to making informed decisions. We’ll teach you how to monitor effectively—whether using a glucose meter, continuous glucose monitor (CGM), or a combination of both. You’ll learn what your numbers mean, how food, activity, stress, and medications affect them, and how to respond to patterns. Monitoring empowers you to take control and reduce the guesswork in your day-to-day management.

Medications can be an essential tool in managing blood sugar levels, especially as diabetes progresses. We’ll review your prescribed medications, how they work, when to take them, and what side effects to watch for. You'll also learn how your medications interact with food, activity, and other health conditions. Our goal is to help you feel confident and informed about your treatment plan.

Living with diabetes can be emotionally challenging at times. It’s normal to feel stressed, frustrated, or overwhelmed. We’ll explore healthy coping strategies to help you manage those emotions while staying focused on your goals. Mental well-being is just as important as physical health in diabetes care, and we’re here to support the whole you.

Diabetes doesn’t always go according to plan. Whether you’re dealing with high or low blood sugar, illness, or unexpected schedule changes, learning to problem-solve helps you stay in control. We’ll work through real-life scenarios and help you create action plans so you feel prepared for whatever comes your way. Confidence in these skills leads to fewer emergencies and more peace of mind.

Diabetes increases the risk for long-term complications, but many of these risks can be reduced with the right tools and care. We’ll focus on preventive strategies like regular screenings, foot and eye care, vaccinations, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol. You’ll learn how to protect your heart, kidneys, nerves, and other systems for long-term health. Small steps today lead to lasting protection tomorrow.