Diabetes Self-Management Education and Treatment

Regardless of the type of diabetes that a person might have, Atlantic Health System can provide the self-management education and treatments necessary to reduce blood sugar and A1c levels, lose weight and improve quality of life.

Blood Sugar Monitoring

Blood glucose, or blood sugar, monitoring is the main tool used to keep diabetes in control. For some patients, we may recommend periodic “finger stick” tests, while for others with Type 1 diabetes, we may prescribe a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM). Using a tiny sensor inserted under the skin of the abdomen, this device measures blood sugar throughout the day and night, transmitting information to a pager-like monitor that will sound an alarm when glucose is too high.

Diabetes Self-Management Education

Achieving lower blood sugar and preventing diabetes can sometimes be as simple as making lifestyle changes. Our certified diabetes educators and dietitians help patients with meal plans, carbohydrate counting and exercise routines that are specific to individual ability and age. They also provide instruction in how to monitor glucose, take medications and use insulin pumps. Written information, models, visual aids and videos are used whenever possible to simplify the education process. During follow-up appointments, we’ll measure patient progress and send periodic updates to the referring health care provider. Family members and friends are welcome to attend all meetings.

Oral Diabetes Medications

Our endocrinologists may prescribe oral medications for some patients with Type 2 diabetes. These typically work by either increasing the amount of insulin produced by the body or decreasing glucose in the digestive tract.

Insulin Therapy

All patients with Type 1 diabetes and some with Type 2 diabetes will require injectable insulin. Response rates within the body vary from medication to medication; our endocrinologists can determine which types of insulin is best for each patient. Some individuals may also be a candidate for an insulin pump, which is a small, battery-powered device that delivers insulin continuously throughout the day via a small plastic catheter placed under the skin.

Treatment for Endocrine Disorders

Like diabetes, endocrine disorders can often be managed through lifestyle changes and prescription medication. Depending upon the condition, this may be a life-long commitment. Endocrinologists at Morristown Medical Center can prescribe treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance plans cover diabetes education. However, we encourage patients to check with their insurance provider to learn about their specific benefits, co-insurance and deductibles. Reduced payment options may be available for those with insurance plans that don't cover diabetes education or who face a high deductible.

Medicare also provides a one-time benefit of 10 hours of diabetes education coverage and two hours of follow-up every year after that.