Diabetes Care

Diabetes is a complex and challenging condition that requires daily self-management decisions. Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) will empower you to manage your diabetes better, in a way that works for you. Our diabetes educators will partner with you and your health care team to provide personalized support based on your needs and goals.

Our goal is to give you a foundation of knowledge and skills to navigate your diabetes self-care with confidence. You’ll learn practical skills to manage your blood sugar, eat well, be active, and solve problems to help you live well with diabetes.

The benefits of DSMES:

• Improved A1c and other clinical measures
• Tools for healthful meal-planning and regular physical activity
• Preventing the start or worsening of diabetes-related complications
• Improved quality of life and decreased diabetes-related distress
• Information and training on diabetes technology

To get connected, ask your primary care provider to refer you to diabetes education.

Coordinating your own care can be a lot sometimes – especially when you’re living with diabetes and are struggling to make ends meet. A case manager can be your point person for help with your appointments, specialty referrals, and getting you the resources you need to improve your quality of life. In case management, you and your case manager develop a partnership and a care plan to help you achieve your goals.

Our case management program is a maximum of 2 years. To be eligible you must be:

• Living with type 1 diabetes OR living with type 2 with an A1C of 9% or higher
• Have your primary care provider at Howard Brown

Resources & referrals a case manager can provide you:

• Medical, dental, and vision care
• Food pantries
• Legal and public benefits help
• Mental health services, individual and group supports
• Substance use and abuse treatment programs
• Gender and sexual orientation support programs
• Transgender health and wellness resources (name change, access to hormone therapy, support services)

To get connected, ask your provider to refer you to diabetes case management.

We know that navigating insurance when living with diabetes can be an uphill battle. Oral medications, injectables, monitors – managing diabetes is demanding! Our care coordinator can assist you when you’re experiencing issues accessing oral medication, insulin, insulin pumps, testing supplies, and continuous glucose monitors. They will support in navigating the process by working with your insurance company, pharmacy, provider, and medical suppliers.

To get connected, ask your provider to refer you to our diabetes care coordinator.

Talking about your diabetes with family or friends that don’t have it can be difficult – joining a support group can help you make connections with others living with diabetes who have relatable experiences. Our diabetes support groups are open to both Howard Brown Health patients as well as community members who don’t receive their care here.

We currently offer two support groups:

• Diabetes OASIS (Open Affirming Sharing in Support)
• Juntos: Una Vida Saludable Con Diabetes

Learn more at our Support Groups webpage or send an email to diabetessupport@howardbrown.org to get started.