Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body produces too little insulin or does not use insulin effectively to keep blood sugar (glucose) from accumulating in the body. Over time, high blood glucose levels can cause serious health problems.
Lakewood is committed to helping you and your family gain the tools you need to manage your diabetes effectively. Our goal is to help those with diabetes live their lives to the fullest every day. Our comprehensive, personalized approach to your diabetes care focuses on prevention, diabetes education and management.
Together, we can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.
Diabetes Resource Center
The mission of Lakewood Health System’s Diabetes Resource Center is to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes, as well as those at risk of developing diabetes. We believe in a patient-centered, team approach to diabetes care. Whether you have just been diagnosed with diabetes, or have had it for years, let us partner with you in living well with diabetes.
The Diabetes Resource Center focuses on helping you live well with diabetes. Our self-management program is tailored to meet your needs. Learning and being supported in lifestyle change is integral to success. We offer a team approach to diabetes management, prevention, and wellness. We partner with you and your provider to help you thrive with diabetes.
Group and individual consultations are offered for patients with diabetes, be it type 1, type 2 or during pregnancy. We invite you to bring a support person with you to help you learn and support you in your journey. Consultation services provided include:
- Diabetes self-management education
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Gestational diabetes
- Diabetes and pregnancy
- Insulin pump therapy
- Continuous glucose monitoring
- Pre-diabetes education
Lakewood’s Diabetes Resource Center has a team of registered nurse certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians.
Laurie Bach, BA, RN, CDE (department supervisor)
Ryan Markham, RN, CDE
Emily Dirkes, RDN, LD
Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to the Diabetes Resource Center. Many insurance plans cover all or part of the cost of the services. Check with your insurer for coverage.
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Diabetes Classes
Our registered dietitians will help you build a plan for healthy eating that is right for you.
If your blood sugar control is in need of fine tuning or a major overhaul, insulin may be part of your tool box. We can help you make a smooth transition to insulin therapy.
A healthy baby is a desire of all expectant parents and can be achieved with closely monitored care. We offer preconception counseling and education for those with diabetes as well as those with gestational diabetes.