Diabetes Education
Working with a diabetes educator will help you better understand your diabetes, how to best manage it, and how to prevent possible complications. Diabetes control for patients educated at DNEC are outstanding, with most achieving A1c of 6.5% within 3 and 6 months, besides achieving great improvement in weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides, and well being (see graphs below).
PATRICIA CALI, MS, RD/LD, CDE is a Certified Diabetes Educator and a Registered Dietitian who has worked in the area of diabetes for over 20 years. She understands the demands of diabetes care and as an expert in both diabetes care and nutrition, she is qualified to guide you in topics like: meal planning, glucose monitoring, evaluation of glucose patterns, use of medications, etc. She is experienced in all types of diabetes, including TYPE 1, TYPE 2 and GESTATIONAL DIABETES, controlled with insulin, oral medication, diet, or insulin pump. Many patients are in more than one regimen to control their blood sugar. If you has PRE-DIABETES, also called HYPERGLYCEMIA or BORDERLINE DIABETES, Patricia can help you delay or even prevent it from advancing to diabetes.
MEAL PLANNING is often described as the most challenging aspect of diabetes care. You will get a personalized meal plan based on your food preferences, learn carbohydrate (carb) counting, get shopping list, learn label reading, and how to attain weight, cholesterol and blood pressure control, as needed.
INDIVIDUAL DIABETES COUNSELING:
- INITIAL SESSION (usually 90 Minutes)
After a careful evaluation of your diabetes/glucose control, medical history, weight, lifestyle and food preferences, we’ll discuss your personal goals. A customized meal and snack plan will be created. You will be provided with the materials needed to control your diabetes and weight (Meal plan, carb counting guide, shopping list, glucose meter and diary, etc) and the guidance on how to use them.
- FOLLOW-UP SESSION (usually 30 Minutes)
During follow-ups we evaluate your progress, review glucose log, tackle questions and concern, reassess goals, and discuss a variety of topics such as eating out, fast food, label reading, treatment/prevention of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), cholesterol/ hypertension control, physical activity, insulin adjustment, vacations, emotional eating, supplements, challenging situations, etc.
- PHONE SUPPORT
Phone follow-up available for patients who have attended in-office counseling. Call (352) 871-0204 for details.
INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR DIABETES COUNSELING
- Most insurance will pay for diabetes education. Click for more details on insurance coverage.
- Contact our office at (352) 871-0204 and we will be glad to verify your insurance coverage.
DIABETES INDIVIDUAL or GROUP LECTURES FOCUS:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes
- Glucose Intolerance / Pre-Diabetes
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Eating Disorder and Diabetes
- Insulin Pump Therapy
To meet some of “DNEC success stars”, visit the Testimonial Page
BY STARTING TO MAKE CHANGES TODAY, YOU CAN HAVE A HEALTHIER TOMORROW.
Call DNEC to make an appointment with Patricia Cali.
352-871-0204
