Diabetes Education Centres
What
is a Diabetes Education Centre (DEC)?
The Ministry of Health
funds 80 DECs across B.C. DECs provide education and support to people with diabetes,
their families, friends and community agencies. Most DECs are staffed by nurses
and dietitians and may also employ other professionals such as social workers,
podiatrists, pharmacists and physiotherapists.
DEC staff provide individual
and group education to people newly diagnosed with diabetes, and those who have
had diabetes for any length of time. After the initial education session, participants
are often invited to return for ongoing education and care. The length of education
sessions at each DEC can vary. Sessions can take place on consecutive days or
be spread out over several weeks or months.
Most DECs are affiliated with
hospitals. They might be located within the hospital or in a community facility
managed by the hospital, health region or other health professionals. There is
no charge to attend a publicly funded DEC.
What Can I
Learn at a Diabetes Education Centre (DEC)?
DECs provide education
on such topics as:
- healthy eating
- goals for blood sugar levels
- how
to monitor blood sugar levels at home
- safe administration of insulin and
other diabetes medications
- exercise and ways to promote a healthy lifestyle
- stress
management and living with diabetes
- prevention of complications related
to diabetes
- foot care
How Do I Start Attending
a Diabetes Education Centre (DEC)?
Most centres require that
you be referred by your family doctor. Let your doctor know that you would like
to attend a DEC. The doctor will send a copy of your laboratory results and other
medical information to the centre. This information helps the centre provide you
with the best service possible. To locate the DEC nearest you, contact your local
Health Authority.
Last Revised: February 14, 2007
| 
