Skip to Main Content

Diabetes Teaching Center

Request appointment
(415) 353-2266

The UCSF Diabetes Teaching Center instructs and informs people about managing diabetes. The center’s approach emphasizes the importance of individualized care and empowering patients by teaching them how to best manage their condition. Our programs focus on helping patients make more consistent and appropriate therapy and lifestyle adjustments.

As part of a major academic medical center, the Diabetes Teaching Center has access to the latest scientific research and treatment options for diabetes. Drawing on UCSF's years of experience with patient care, we offer treatment plans to optimize your ability to control your condition.

The teaching center’s objectives are to help people with diabetes learn to:

  • Manage diabetes on a day-to-day basis with confidence
  • Prevent complications
  • Help their primary care doctors determine how to best control their condition

Continue reading

Diabetes Classes and Workshops

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

  • Types, causes and effects of diabetes mellitus, as well as treatment goals
  • The importance of fitting exercise, diet, meal planning, weight management and prevention of hypoglycemia (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 workshops are offered for adults with 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; the oral diabetes medication course is two days. The center also provides individual counseling and insulin pump instruction.

The center helps facilitate a supportive network for people living with diabetes.

Learn more about classes and workshops at Diabetes Education Online.

Any doctor or health care facility can refer you to the Diabetes Teaching Center, or you may call directly to enter the program. Some insurance companies require authorization from a primary care provider.

The Diabetes Teaching Center's program is certified by the American Diabetes Association.

Our locations

Expand Map

    Awards & recognition

    • U S  News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF as part of its 2024-2025 Honor Roll

      Among the top hospitals in the nation

    • Best in Northern California for diabetes care & endocrinology

    • Rated high-performing hospital for diabetes care

    Support services

    ""
    Patient Resource

    Case Management & Social Work

    Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.

    Class

    Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class

    This eight-week class teaches mindfulness practices that can reduce stress and improve your overall health, such as meditation and body awareness.

    Patient Resource

    Patient Relations

    We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.

    Patient Resource

    Spiritual Care Services

    Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your condition
    • List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

    Learn more

    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

    Learn more

    Hospital Stays

    Make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible by finding out how to prepare and what to expect.

    Learn more

    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

    Learn more

    Related clinics

    Diabetes Clinic at Mount Zion

    1600 Divisadero St., Room A530
    San Francisco, CA 94115

    Diabetes Clinic at Parnassus

    400 Parnassus Ave., Suite A-550
    San Francisco, CA 94143

    MarinHealth Endocrine & Diabetes Care

    75 Rowland Way, Suite 275
    Novato, CA 94945

    Can't find what you're looking for?

    UCSF Help Center

    (888) 689-8273

    Share