Diabetes Education Program
The Diabetes Education Program (DEP) at Ross Memorial Hospital provides diabetes education and support to help individuals effectively manage diabetes, prevent diabetes complications, and improve quality of life.
Our team:
Our team is comprised of Registered Nurses and Registered Dietitians who have obtained their Certified Diabetes Educator certificate. Our team of Diabetes Educators will provide individuals with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to improve the self-management skills needed to effectively manage diabetes. Appointments are set up so the Registered Nurse and Registered Dietitian work collaboratively to complete assessments and provide education that is tailored to the individual. The Diabetes Educators will communicate with the applicable physicians and Nurse Practitioners to provide medication, blood work, and routine screening recommendations as outlined in the Diabetes Canada Guidelines.
Some of the self-management topics that are discussed in appointments, if applicable:
- Learning the lifestyle strategies including exercise and healthy eating that are effective in managing diabetes
- Understanding diabetes medications and suggested routine screening to prevent diabetes complications
- Monitoring diabetes related blood work
- Discussing eating on a budget and community food supports
- Learning how to make SMART goals related to healthy eating, exercise, behaviour changes, etc.
- How to properly and confidently monitor blood sugar at home
- Teaching insulin injection techniques and proper monitoring
- Learning key safety topics to prevent diabetes related complications
- Review the latest diabetes research
Our program:
Our team effectively triages all referrals to ensure clients are provided with effective, timely care. We offer a variety of group education sessions for prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and type 1 diabetes. Individual appointments are also available for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and insulin pump users.
Group education sessions offered:
- Prediabetes
- Staying Healthy with Diabetes
- Carbohydrate Awareness & Label Reading
- See Cardiac Rehab for the other group education sessions offered at Health First
Who can participate?
- Adults over the age of 18 with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, diabetes in pregnancy, and gestational diabetes
- Individuals who have been newly diagnosed with the above conditions
- Individuals who are interested in updating their knowledge about diabetes management
- Those who require teaching on starting insulin or other injectable therapy
- Those who are interested or are already using insulin pump therapy
Referral process:
We accept referrals from Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, or any other Health Care Professional. Individuals can also self-refer to the DEP.
- Self-refer by calling the secretary directly at 705-328-6091 or filling out the Health First Referral form
- Have your family doctor or Nurse Practitioner fax a referral to our clinic at 705-328-6202
- Register through the Centralized Diabetes Intake using the online self-referral form or call the toll-free number 1-888-997-9996
What to bring to appointments?
- Health card
- List of medications and supplements
- Blood glucose monitor and logbook, if applicable
- Insulin supplies if applicable
- Family member, friend, or support worker if needed
Location and hours:
The Diabetes Education Program is located at Ross Memorial Hospital on the third floor. From the hospital entrance after registering, take the BLUE elevators to the third floor, turn right off the elevator and then turn left into the Health First Department. The clinic is typically open from Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30a.m. - 5:00 p.m. We are closed most holidays.
Where to get reliable information about diabetes:
- Diabetes Canada: https://www.diabetes.ca/
- Diabetes College: https://www.diabetescollege.ca/
- '12 Weeks to THRiVE’: https://www.diabetescollege.ca/thrive/
- Dietitians of Canada: unlockfood.ca
Page Last Updated: October 2, 2024