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Diabetes Teaching Center

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(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

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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

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    Awards & recognition

    • usnews-neurology

      Among the top hospitals in the nation

    • usnews-diabetes-and-endocrinology

      One of the nation's best for diabetes care & endocrinology

    • Rated high-performing hospital for diabetes care

    Support services

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    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.

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    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.

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    Interpreting Services

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    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
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