This diabetes self-management education program has been awarded Recognition by the American Diabetes Association in accordance with the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. [Read News Story]

The Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology at Portsmouth Regional Hospital offers a complete series of educational programs designed to assist individuals in understanding, coping, and living successfully with diabetes.

Depending on your needs, treatment is provided in a class or on an individual basis. Team members also see inpatients at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Since each person is affected differently by diabetes, we tailor our education programs to satisfy your specific needs.

Ongoing Educational Programs

Inpatient and outpatient educational programs are designed to help you improve your diabetes self-care skills and enhance the quality of your life. Among the subjects taught are the basic survival skills needed to know what to eat, how to check your blood sugar, recognize problems and how to take pills or insulin. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to attend. Classes include the following topics:

• What is diabetes?
• What can I eat?
• How do I test my blood sugar?
• What do the numbers mean?
• Activity and exercise
• Chronic complications
• Sexual health and pregnancy
• Meal planning and portion control
• Dining out
• How stress affects diabetes

Many insurances cover these visits.

Nutrition Consultation

Planning meals responsibly is a basic requirement for diabetes management and blood sugar control. A Clinical diabetes dietician works with individuals and groups to assist in developing realistic dietary goals, meal management skills, and flexible meal planning. The dietician also provides guidance for weight control.

Four percent of all pregnant women will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes and usually there are no symptoms. Your doctor will test for it between the 24^th and 28^th weeks of your pregnancy. Our team will help you come up with a healthy, well-balanced meal plan, teach you how to test your blood sugar and how to take insulin if needed – all for the benefit of a healthy baby.

Exercise Therapy

Exercise has been proven to be an important ingredient in diabetes management. Our staff is available at the direction of your doctor to determine your exercise requirements.

Wound Care Center

For people with diabetes, a non-healing wound means a disrupted life with discomfort and the constant threats of infection, gangrene and complications. Our Wound Care Center includes specially trained physicians, nurses, and technicians who use the latest therapeutic procedures to help heal wounds that have resisted other forms of treatment.

Wound Care Center: (603) 433-6994