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Managing diabetes can be challenging, however it is doable with the proper training and education. Torrance Memorial Medical Center offers a variety of programs to help individuals lead healthy lives with diabetes.
Diabetes Self Management Training Program
Diabetes Self Management Training (DSMT) is a comprehensive educational program designed to provide participants with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to manage diabetes.
Torrance Memorial's DSMT program is certified by the American Diabetes Association and staffed by Certified Diabetes Educators who are either Registered Nurses or Registered Dietitians. Our program consists of an individualized consultation followed by a series of four small group classes; individual appointments can be arranged as needed.
Our Classes
The self care behaviors that you will develop in DSMT classes will help you successfully manage your diabetes and prevent or reduce the severity of diabetes complications. Classes cover the following topics:
- ABC's of diabetes
- Blood glucose monitoring, pattern identification and management
- Medication management: what, when, how and why
- Carbohydrate counting
- Reading food labels
- Meal planning and dining out
- Risk reduction of long term complications
- Prevention and treatment of high and low blood glucose
- Exercise guidelines
- Healthy coping skills
Class Schedule
Classes are offered weekly:
- Monday and Thursday evenings from 5-7
- Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10-12
- Tuesday afternoons from 1-3
Follow Up and Refresher
Most insurance companies, including Medicare, cover yearly follow up visits with a Certified Diabetes Educator. If you have you already attended a DSMT course but find yourself needing extra guidance or support ask your physician for a referral and call our office for an appointment.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), provided by a Registered Dietitian, is a therapeutic approach to managing medical conditions and symptoms through proper diet and nutrition. During your one-on-one consultation with a dietitian your individual nutrition needs will be addressed and a personalized meal plan will be created to help you better manage your diabetes. MNT goes hand in hand with the DSMT program to provide the most comprehensive and individualized program.
Pre-Diabetes Class
Pre-diabetes is when blood glucose levels are higher then normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. If you have been told you have pre-diabetes it is important to make healthy lifestyle changes now to avoid developing Type 2 diabetes. The medical center offers a pre-diabetes course once a month taught by a Certified Diabetes Educator. Call our office to register for our next class.
Diabetes and Pregnancy
Sweet Success is a diabetes and pregnancy self-management training program which provides preventive health education for women who have pregnancy affected by diabetes. A Certified Diabetes Educator will meet one on one with expectant mothers and will address the following topics:
- Pathophysiology of gestational diabetes
- The impact of gestational diabetes on mother and baby
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Develop a healthy nutrition plan for pregnancy
Support Group
The Diabetes Update support group meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the Health Conference Center Room #1. The second Tuesday is a round table format where participants can ask questions, express concerns, and share experiences, while the fourth Tuesday will host a speaker on topics that promote healthy lifestyles. Everyone is welcome and can benefit from this support group. We hope to see you at our next meeting. If you have questions about our support group please call 310-784-3792.
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