Diabetes Center

The Knapp Medical Center Diabetes Center works with your doctor to identify your needs and develop a personalized plan of education that will help you understand and manage your diabetes.

The Diabetes Center provides diabetes self-management training for children, adults and pregnant women.  Patients will receive:

• 90 minutes with a registered dietitian
• 90 minutes with a registered nurse
• 60-minute foot class with foot screen
• 30-minute follow-ups at three, six  and twelve months

Our goal is to help you improve your overall health, lower blood sugar levels and take better control of your diabetes.

The Knapp Diabetes Center has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for quality self-management education since 1997.

Two of the three certified diabetes educators in the Rio Grande Valley are on staff at Knapp’s Diabetes Center. Several other RNs and a Licensed Registered Dietician Educator are also on staff. Flexible scheduling is offered with appointments available in the evenings or on weekends as needed.

Bilingual Educational Classes

Our diabetes educators conduct classes for patients who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and those who have been living with diabetes but need to learn how to manage their disease. Education topics for adults and children may include:

• Diabetes – the disease
• Medications
• Nutrition counseling that includes a personalized meal plan
• How to grocery shop and dine out
• Prevention, recognition and treatment of diabetic emergencies
• How diabetes affects other parts of the body
• Managing diabetes at home
• The importance of exercise
• Stress management
• Personal and family adjustments
• Long-term complications
• Compliance with treatment program
• Managing diabetes during pregnancy
• Insulin pump therapy
• When to call the doctor

Educational classes are provided in both English and Spanish.

Talk to your doctor about Knapp’s diabetes services. Patients must be referred to the Diabetes Center by their doctor. The patient’s participation in this program does not replace the patient’s ongoing treatment plan by his or her doctor.

Hours of Operation:

The Knapp Diabetes Center is open Monday through Friday and, upon request, evenings and Saturdays.

Eligibility:

Knapp Medical Center will assist in calling for eligibility benefits from your insurer.