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Where can I get help in managing my diabetes?

Allina Medical Clinic – Diabetes Education is designed to help patients manage diabetes every step of the way. For more about this program accredited by the American Diabetes Association...

  • contact any of the Allina Medical Clinic locations on our diabetes education services list
  • call 1-866-904-9962 and ask about Allina Medical Clinic sites offering diabetes education.

Diabetes center staff at these Allina hospitals also can help you manage your diabetes:

Cambridge Medical Center
Cambridge, Minnesota
763-689-7700

New Ulm Medical Center
New Ulm, Minnesota
507-233-1000

St. Francis Regional Medical Center
Shakopee, Minnesota
952-403-3000

United Hospital
St. Paul, Minnesota
651-241-8456

Hutchinson Area Health Care
Hutchinson, Minnesota
320-234-5058

Aspen Medical Group's diabetes services give patients the opportunity to work with a team of diabetes specialists to focus on a personalized plan of care and achieve the best possible diabetes control.


Is there a local organization of the American Diabetes Association (ADA)?

Yes. The phone number for the American Diabetes Association's Minnesota chapter is 763-593-5333 or 1-800-DIABETES.

American Diabetes Association representatives can give you answers to some of your questions about diabetes. They offer information and referral for health care, financial aid insurance, discrimination for people with diabetes. Other services include Camp Needlepoint/Daypoint, newsletters, TV, health fairs, speakers bureau, fund raising for research and education, support groups, professional education, literature, films, videos/and education workshops.

From the American Diabetes Association, you also may order books on various diabetes topics at www.diabetes.org or by calling toll free 1-800-232-6733.


What are other sources of information about my diabetes?

Magazines and newspapers

Allina Hospitals & Clinics publishes Dialog: Living with Diabetes, a free e-mail newsletter that goes out on a quarterly basis.

The American Diabetes Association publishes Diabetes Forecast magazine. Call 1-800-232-6733 for subscription rates.

The American Diabetes Association also offers a number of free e-mail newsletters.

We also recommend these publications:

Senior drug program

Minnesota has a program that may cover some of your prescription costs.

Call the Senior Linkage Line at 1-800-333-2433 for more information.

Web sites

American Diabetes Association - www.diabetes.org

American Dietetic Association - www.eatright.org

Diabetes Health - www.diabeteshealth.com

National Diabetes Education Program - www.ndep.nih.gov

Diabetes information from Joslin Diabetes Center - www.joslin.org

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - www.jdrf.org

Islet transplant information from the Islet foundation - www.islet.org


Where can I get the meter and other supplies I need for managing my diabetes?

You may want to ask at your clinic if there is someone who can help you get supplies and train you to use the equipment. All of the diabetes centers listed above can help you. You can purchase supplies at your pharmacy, but you should check with your diabetes educator first before purchasing equipment. Get his or her recommendation about the best equipment for you.


How do I pay for my diabetes supplies?

Most health care plans as well as Medicare and Medical Assistance cover a large portion, if not all, of the cost of meters, test strips and other supplies. If you have questions, you should call the customer service number for your health plan. You can also call a diabetes educator for this information.


I feel frustrated and overwhelmed by all the changes I need to make in my daily life now that I have diabetes. Where can I get help?

These are very normal feelings and many people feel the need for help. You do not need to make all the changes at once — take small steps and you are likely to be more successful.

  • Talk with others who have diabetes.
  • Seek out a support group.
  • Find counselors or social workers in your community who could help.
  • Ask your doctor or diabetes educator where you can go for help.

The important thing to know is that there are others who can help — you do not need to struggle alone.

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Source: Allina Patient Education, Basic Skills for Living with Diabetes, fifth edition, ISBN 1-931876-16-9

First published: 12/01/2006
Last updated: 05/01/2009

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts

 


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