Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene offer a wide variety of services and programs to assist you — or someone you know — with diabetes. We welcome the opportunity to share our knowledge with you, and provide the expert care that you deserve. Together, we can keep you healthy.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder in which the body does not make proper use of food. You can develop diabetes at various stages in your life including childhood, adolescence, adulthood and pregnancy. It can often be controlled by diet, exercise and sometimes medication. By keeping blood sugar within a safe range, serious complications can be minimized or avoided Click to learn more about diabetes on the ADA website: www.diabetes.org
Individualized Care
A team of specially trained and certified clinicians including dietitians, diabetes educators, health psychologists, pharmacists, and physical therapists offer participants a multifaceted approach that includes medical and lifestyle issues. Our team works with you to develop treatment goals and plans to monitor and manage your diabetes.
Nutrition Counseling
Through counseling and education, you will learn a new way to think about food and diabetes. Its focus is not on what you can’t eat, but on what you can eat and how much. We can help you choose, prepare, serve and enjoy healthy, satisfying foods that will improve your overall health.
Educational Opportunities
Diabetes Self-Management Education* Classes
Our structured series of two-hour classes offers information, guidelines, and hands-on tips for managing diabetes on a daily basis at home. Click here for 2010 Schedule.
- General facts
We provide an overview of the several types of diabetes as well as explain the various treatment options.
- Nutrition
A healthy diet can help you keep diabetes under control. Learn how food affects diabetes, as well as the latest recommendations in meal planning, label reading, and eating out.
- Medication
When diet and exercise are not enough, medication is prescribed to help control diabetes. Our pharmacist will review all available drugs and how they work, as well as potential side effects and precautions.
- Monitoring blood sugar
Diabetes control is determined by measuring the level of sugar in a patient’s blood. Information is provided on types and features of meters, blood sugar goals, when to test, and what to do with the results.
- High and low blood sugar
Both high and low blood sugar can be a problem for people with diabetes. We explain how to recognize, treat, and prevent blood sugar problems. Our main focus is on early recognition, treatment and prevention of both immediate and long term complications of diabetes.
- Stress
Stress can be a major problem for patients with diabetes. Participants will learn how to reduce the effects of stress on diabetes control.
- Activity
Learn how regularly planned activity can reduce the risk of heart complications, lower blood sugar, and make you feel more in control of your life. Various activity options are discussed so you can find something that fits your lifestyle.
- Preventive care
Learn ways you can protect yourself from the more serious and permanent effects of diabetes with simple day-to-changes in your lifestyle.
Cheshire County Diabetes Self-Management Education Program Dartmouth Hitchcock Keene has been Recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education* since 2005.
Individual Medical Nutrition Therapy
Schedule an appointment with our registered dietitian to get a personalized meal plan to fit your lifestyle. Be sure to bring your spouse or significant other to the meeting.
Individual Self-management Skills
Get one-on-one instruction from our Diabetes Care Nurse on how nutritional choices, blood glucose testing, medication management, and fitness all work toward the prevention of complications and a healthier you. Spouse and significant others are welcome to attend this meeting with you.
Dual Diabetes Care Visit
Get an individualized appointment with both our registered dietitian and our diabetes care nurse in back-to-back visits. This type of appointment can especially be helpful to individuals who do not want to come back for separate appointments or those who have transportation issues.
Talkin' Diabetes: informal monthly discussion group
You’re not in this alone. Join us for monthly support groups led by certified diabetes educators and other qualified individuals who offer new and innovative solutions to your healthcare needs. Hear from others who are living with diabetes and share your own story. Click here for more information.
Diabetes Prevention Class
Our free one hour Stepping Up to Prevent Diabetes class reviews how healthy eating and regular activity can delay or prevent the progression from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes. Practical tips are provided. Click here for the current class offerings.
For More Information
Talk with your provider about your diabetes care concerns. Call our diabetes network receptionist to make appointments for diabetes education sessions or to sign up for classes 603-354-6570 ext. 3.
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Clinical Services 
