Diabetes Program

The Diabetes Program provides American Diabetes Association recognized self-management classes to adults ages 18 and over, diagnosed with pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. The diabetes team provides education classes, support groups, presentations, and develops a treatment plan to assist participants in controlling diabetes. See our community success stories of how our Diabetes Program helps people live better with Type 2 diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes results from your body not producing enough insulin or your body not using the insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes develops in adults and has been found in children. You may have diabetes and not know it, as often there are no symptoms.

The Program’s Goals are to:

• prevent medical problems related to diabetes.
• improve understanding of type 2 diabetes.
• improve ability to control diabetes.

Education Classes and Support Groups

The Diabetes Class Series is a free 8-week course. Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements meet once a week for two (2) hours. Hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, and weight measures are completed the first week and final week of class. Support materials, informational binders, and certificates are also included.

Topics discussed are:

• What is Diabetes? And Monitoring Blood Glucose
• Eating Healthier - Focus on Carbohydrates
• Eating Healthier - Focus on Heart Health, Fat, and Fiber
• Physical Activity
• Taking Medications
• Reducing Risks of Complications
• Coping with Stress and Emotions
• Behavior Change, Problem Solving, and Resources

The Diabetes Support Group meets once a month for two (2) hours in locations throughout Alameda County. Topics vary.

Program Participation and Referrals

Participants may self-enroll as long as eligibility criteria is met. See below.
Medical providers can refer patients that meet the eligibility requirements. Please complete the following referral form and fax it to the Diabetes Program at (510) 595-6486.

• Diabetes Referral Form

Patients referred to the Diabetes Program must meet the following requirements to participate in self-management classes.

• Live in Alameda County
• 18 years of age or older.
• Diagnosed with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
• Individuals providing care or support for those clients are welcome to accompany their clients.

DIABETES 2022-23 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Nutrition Services Diabetes Program partnered with IHSS, Tri-Valley City Serve, and Emeryville Senior Center to provide Healthy Living with Diabetes presentations and cooking demonstrations (110 participants).
• The program delivered Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) classes to 61 residents with diabetes or pre-diabetes, and held 39 diabetes support groups (in-person and virtual) throughout Alameda County (370 participants). As a result of participating in DSME classes, 94% of the partcipants improved their Hemoglobin A1c or were under 7.0%, 80% improved their blood pressure or maintained a BP under 140/90, and 79% lost weight or maintained their weight.
• The Diabetes Program’s monthly newsletter was updated and features Harvest of the Month highlights, articles, recipes, upcoming classes, and support groups. Newsletters are mailed to over 400 previous class participants in Alameda County.

THE ROAD AHEAD

• Increase outreach through health fairs and community contacts with the program’s peer educator volunteers and through new partnerships to improve participation in classes.
• Provide training opportunities for peer-educators in partnership with Project Dulce of University of California, San Diego, Scripps Diabetes Institute,
• Increase access to physical activity and healthy food and cooking classes, and looking forward to adding Spanish language classes!

The Diabetes Team in Action

The Nutrition Services Diabetes Program includes a team of Registered Dietitians, peer educators, nutrition assistants, and managers and directors coordinating services and classes to support Alameda County residents to live a healthy life with diabetes. Meet the Nutrition Services and Diabetes Teams.