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The Diabetes Teaching Center at UCSF Medical Center provides instruction and information about diabetes management, emphasizing the importance of individualized care and patient empowerment by teaching people how to best manage their condition. The center's programs focus on helping patients make more consistent and appropriate adjustments in their therapy and lifestyle.

As part of a major biomedical research institution, the Diabetes Teaching Center has access to the latest scientific research and treatment options for diabetes. Because of UCSF Medical Center's history of patient care, the center draws on years of clinical experience and offers participants a suitable treatment plan to optimize diabetes control.

The objectives of the Diabetes Teaching Center are to help those with diabetes learn how to:

• Manage their diabetes on a day-to-day basis with confidence
• Prevent complications
• Assist their primary care doctor help them achieve the best control of their condition

Classes and workshops are designed to help those with diabetes become more proactive in controlling their condition. Topics covered include:

• The different types of diabetes mellitus, its causes and effects, as well as treatment goals
• The importance of fitting exercise, diet, meal planning, weight management and prevention of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, into daily routines
• Managing insulin or oral diabetes therapy
• Testing blood glucose and urine ketone levels and adjusting therapy based on test results
• Preventing and managing potential complications
• Adjusting emotionally to living with diabetes

In-depth, intensive workshops are offered for adults with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Groups are organized by type of diabetes and insulin use. The insulin therapy workshop is three and a half days, while the oral diabetes medication course is two days. The center also provides individual counseling and insulin pump instruction. In addition, the center helps facilitate a supportive network for those living with diabetes.

Referrals to the Diabetes Teaching Center can be made by any doctor or health care facility, or patients may call directly to enter the program. Some insurance companies require authorization from your primary care provider. The Diabetes Teaching Center's program is certified by the American Diabetes Association.

To request more information or to enroll in a workshop, contact the UCSF Diabetes Teaching Center at (415) 353-2266.