The Diabetes Community Network was designed in accordance with the American Diabetes Association clinical practice recommendations. Its purpose is to increase access to education, reduce medical costs and prevent complications for people with diabetes. Initially, each participant meets with a diabetes educator to learn the basics of the program, receives a baseline assessment and sets personal goals. A popular DCN program is the eight-week Diabetes Community Seminar series given four times each year. The seminars are offered in Charlottesville and Orange but are also accessible by videoconference at other sites.
Topics covered include nutrition, exercise, stress-reduction and grocery shopping.
Because diabetes is a chronic illness, it requires continual management. Through our three offices, Northridge, Orange and U.Va. Primary Care Center, and our work with the Office of Telemedicine, people with diabetes in most of the state can access our services. Avoid large amounts of concentrated carbohydrates. Fill your plate with turkey and vegetables taking a limited quantity of mashed potatoes, rolls and dessert.