Patient Education
Diabetes and Nutrition Resources - Outpatient Education

There are three outpatient diabetes education programs – one at Baptist Downtown, one at Baptist Nassau and the third at Baptist South – that are led by certified diabetes educators and help people with diabetes learn how to control their disease and improve their overall health. These comprehensive programs cover the topics of diabetes self-management education, insulin pump therapy training, medical nutrition therapy and weight management.

Diabetes Self-Management Education Program
The Diabetes Education Program at Baptist Medical Center and Baptist Medical Center Nassau are recognized by the American Diabetes Association as quality education programs. The program focuses on knowledge, skills and lifestyle changes that promote optimal health and diabetes control. Our certified diabetes educators provide education both in the group and individual settings in the following areas:

• Blood glucose monitoring
• Nutrition basics, carbohydrate counting and meal planning
• Risk factor reduction - lipids, hypertension and obesity
• Exercise and diabetes
• Medication and insulin use
• Complications of diabetes
• Psychosocial adjustment and stress management

Insulin Pump Training
Insulin pump training is done with a team approach. Our certified pump trainer teaches patients how to use the pump and its operation. Our registered dietitian provides carbohydrate counting and nutrition education. The expertise of our professionals is coupled with ongoing support to create successful insulin pump therapy.

Medical Nutrition Therapy
Following a complete nutritional assessment by a registered dietitian, an individualized meal plan is created. This meal plan is tailored to each person's lifestyle, medical needs, food preferences and activity level. Medical nutrition therapy is provided for the following:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Celiac disease and other gastrointestinal diagnoses
• Obesity
• Pregnancy and gestational diabetes
• Other physician-prescribed diets

Weight Management Programs
Our registered dietitians meet individually with patients to determine the weight loss plan that is best suited to their lifestyle. They can provide nutritionally balanced menus for four-six weeks, individualized meal plans and the Healthy Solutions(r) weight-management program, which combines weight loss shakes with food. All weight loss options include exercise and behavior modification.

Referrals and Appointments
A physician referral is required for most services. Insurance reimbursement varies. Physician offices can fax referral information to 904.202.2462. Appointments can be made during regular business hours by calling: 904.202.2140.