Diabetes Education

Sioux Center Health is a leader in diabetes education; we’ve been educating people about diabetes since 1989. We understand that managing your diabetes can be a challenge. Our team of physicians, dietitians, nurses, and a certified diabetes care and education specialist can help ease your frustrations and teach you about the best treatment options available.


Office Hours (by appointment):
Nurse: Monday and Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Dietitians: Tuesday – Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Course Offerings:
Our staff is available to meet with you and your family individually or in small group classes. All classes are offered in English and Spanish.

Take Charge Class: This 2‐hour class will encourage lifestyle changes to help prevent or delay getting type 2 diabetes.

Choose Health NW Iowa Program: This year-long program includes 26 sessions with trained lifestyle coaches who will help you lose weight, eat healthier, be more physically active, and manage stress. People with pre-diabetes or who have risk factors for diabetes, such as obesity, family history of diabetes, or gestational diabetes are eligible. This program is fully recognized with the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program.

To take the prediabetes risk test, visit https://doihaveprediabetes.org/take-the-risk-test/

Diabetes Basics: This course is designed for those who are newly diagnosed or who have never had any diabetes education. This program has 6 different sessions, but can be modified to meet your needs.

Challenges and Changes: A Diabetes Review: This 2-hour class reviews diabetes basics as well as what is new in diabetes care.

Carb Counting Review: This 2‐ hour class will review foods with carbohydrates, portion sizes, healthy snacks, and labels. We will help get you back on track with your diabetes and weight loss goals.

Diabetes and Pregnancy: This course is designed for pregnant women with diabetes. Our diabetes team works with your physician or with a pregnancy specialist to support you on your journey to having a healthy baby.

Insulin Basics: People who are starting insulin have many fears and questions. In this class, you will practice how to take insulin safely until you feel confident.

New Insulin Options: If your current insulin regimen isn’t working, this class is for you! There are new insulin options that help improve blood sugars, decrease low blood sugars, and allow for more flexible meal times.

Insulin Pump Basics: Our certified staff will get you started on your insulin pump over 2 – 3 sessions. A review of carb counting as well as managing low blood sugars, DKA, and sick days is included.

Advanced Insulin Pump Features: This 1-hour session is designed for the experienced pumper who wants to use advanced pump features, such as dual and square wave bolusing, temporary basal rates, patterns feature for weekends/rotating work shifts, and how to evaluate basal and bolus rates.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Basics: This technology allows people to monitor their sugar levels 24 hours a day. Our certified staff will train you in 1-2 sessions.

Insurance
Medicare and Medicaid pay 100% for initial diabetes classes and Medicare pays 100% for yearly review classes. Most commercial plans pay for diabetes education but require that your deductible is met first. Some plans cover nutrition education 100% as a preventative service.

Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES)
The Diabetes Program at the Sioux Center Health is accredited by the Diabetes Education Accreditation Program of ADCES. This prestigious award assures that this quality education program meets the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education. This program is also certified by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Contact Information

Diabetes Education: (712) 722-8125

More Information

Diabetes Educator Providers

Rocio Mendez Reyna, RN, DCES

Email: Rocio Mendez

Tonya Huenink, RDN, LD, DCES

Email: Tonya Huenink

Jennifer Lincecum, RDN, LD, CDCES

Email: Jennifer Lincecum