Diabetes Self-Management Education (In Person or Virtual)
Our certified diabetes educators and dietitians teach you about a range of topics related to diabetes, from how it affects your body to lifestyle management, so you can achieve your desired health outcomes. Our program will help you:
- Plan meals that fit your life and budget
- Understand nutrition labels and why you need to track carbohydrates
- Monitor blood sugar at home
- Learn about the A1c test, which measures your blood sugar and how you're managing your health
- Recognize, treat, and prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Deal with depression and learn how to cope with feelings
- Understand exercise guidelines
- Learn to take care of your feet, eyes, kidneys, and nerves
The program includes a series of four, two-hour classes. You’re encouraged to bring a snack, your blood sugar log, and a list of medications to each class. We offer one-on-one help with your blood sugar meter or insulin injections. You’re welcome to bring a support person with you.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Class (In Person or Virtual)
This 1-hour class is designed for patients prescribed a continuous glucose monitor to track their glucose trends. Class topics include:
- Understanding trend arrows, alarms, and when to scan
- Prevention and treatment for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
- How to troubleshoot problems when wearing your device
- Getting connected with your DPC Provider for shared decision making
- We can also help to install your device if you bring your supplies to class!
Diabetes Prevention Classes (In Person or Virtual)
Our diabetes prevention classes are designed for people with pre-diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Participants at risk for diabetes will learn healthy eating and lifestyle skills. Our diabetes prevention program consists of two, two-hour classes.
Diabetes During Pregnancy (In-Person or Virtual)
This two-hour class offers information on nutrition, blood sugar monitoring, and other factors that help keep mothers and their babies healthy. It’s ideal for people who:
- Are diagnosed with gestational diabetes or Type 2 diabetes
- Had a previous diagnosis of prediabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome
- Received gastric bypass surgery
- Are unable to complete a glucose tolerance test
This class only meets at Duke Primary Care Croasdaile.
Weight Management Program (In-person or Virtual)
This class is designed to help you make lifestyle changes that lead to weight loss. For the first six months, you will attend bi-weekly classes. After that, meetings occur once a month for six months. During each class, you will develop a plan to meet your health goals and learn problem-solving and coping skills that help you fit healthy habits into your life.
Through 12 months of regular check-ins and support, we will help you:
- Learn the skills and tools you need for successful weight loss
- Implement long-lasting lifestyle changes
- Get through tough situations like holidays and family gatherings
- Get back on track if you slip back into old habits
- Set small, achievable goals toward a healthier lifestyle
This class is available virtually and in person at Duke Primary Care Croasdaile, Duke Primary Care Knightdale, and Duke Primary Care South Durham. A referral is required to sign up. Ask your provider if you are interested.
Providers
Meet our certified diabetes educators and dietitians who organize our programs:
- Heidi Schoeppner, MS, RDN/LDN, CDCES
- Emelia Zhu, MPH, RD, LDN, CDCES
- Noa Borkan, MPH, RD, LDN, CDCES
- Virginia (Ginger) Calhoun, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES
Individual Education Sessions (In-Person or Virtual)
If you have a chronic disease that would benefit from a lifestyle change, these one-on-one meetings pair you with a dietitian who can help you manage diabetes or health conditions like cholesterol or lipid disorders, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and more. Our educators are dietitians who specialize in diabetes but have extensive training in many diseases. You’ll get a combination of education and counseling to guide lifestyle changes to better manage these health conditions.
How to Enroll
A referral is required to join our programs:
- Ask your provider if you believe they would be a benefit for you.
- We will contact you to find an option that is right for you and schedule your appointment.
- If your provider is not with Duke Health, please have them complete this form and fax it to us for scheduling.
Prior to your class, we will send instructions to your My Duke Health (previously Duke MyChart) account. This will include a lifestyle assessment form so you can provide details about your diet, blood sugar management, and more. If you don’t have a My Duke Health account, you can sign up online.
Insurance Coverage
Diabetes education is typically covered by insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. If you have questions about other kinds of coverage, contact your insurance company. For more information about using insurance for our programs, contact our staff at 919-470-6505.