What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a life-long medical condition where the body does not produce any insulin, or not enough insulin. Insulin is needed to help glucose, which is in the food we eat, to enter our body cells. This gives us the energy needed to do our daily activities.

We Believe That:
Even though diabetes is a life long condition, a person with diabetes can still live a full and healthy life.

How?
By receiving education about diabetes, you will learn to adjust your lifestyle so that you can control your diabetes - it doesn't control you!

Diabetes Education at Renfrew Victoria Hospital

You will learn:

• What is diabetes and what is hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Common feelings and emotions associated with diabetes.
• Healthy eating plans.
• How to monitor your blood sugar.
• Exercising with diabetes.
• Complications of diabetes and how to prevent them from starting.
• Diabetes medications.

I'm Interested - Tell Me About the Classes

• Taught by a Registered Dietitian and a Registered Nurse.
• The program consists of three 3 hour group classes, plus an individual session with both the dietitian and the nurse, plus a group follow-up class three months later.
• Group classes begin the first Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m. until 12 noon and continue for the next two Wednesdays at the same times.
• Class are held at the Renfrew Victoria Hospital, Emergency Room Classroom.

How Do I Get A Referral to Attend Classes?

• You can call and refer yourself to the program.
• You can receive a referral from your physician
• Everyone is welcome, but you do need to call to register for the classes.

Referrals will be taken by the at 613-432-4851 extension 109.

Questions?

For more information about the program, please call Donna Reid at 613-432-4851 extension 109.

What Do I Need To Bring To The First Class?

• Your glucometer or blood sugar monitoring machine.
• All of your medication, in bottles, including vitamins or herbal products.
• A pen.
• Write down everything you eat for three days prior to the first class and bring this with you.
• Yourself, plus you can bring a friend or family member who wants to learn more about diabetes as well, in order to help you to succeed.