Diabetes Services

Diabetes can affect your life in many ways, but knowledge and careful management of the disease can lower your risk of serious complications. Whether you are experiencing new symptoms or have lived with diabetes your entire life, our multidisciplinary staff is dedicated to providing the high-quality, comprehensive diabetes care you deserve.

Diabetes Education

The diabetes education program at Greater Regional Health is certified by the American Diabetes Association* and the state of Iowa. Greater Regional Health offers a complete program of services used to treat and manage diabetes so patients may enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. There are several types of diabetes which require different treatment plans. Eligible patients include:

• Prediabetes

• Type 1 Diabetes

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Gestational Diabetes

Patients may be newly diagnosed, have changes in diabetes management, or need additional education. Services may be requested through your primary care provider or by self-referral.

Understanding diabetes is the first step toward managing it. While diabetes cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed by learning important skills. Our educators will teach you what you need to know about diabetes and how it affects your body.

Diabetes Education may include:

• Evaluation and management sessions

• Nutrition counseling with a focus on carbohydrate counting

• Blood glucose monitoring

• Medication review

• Insulin or other injectable administration

• Insulin pump management

• Activity/exercise

DIABETES SERVICES BROCHURE

PRE-DIABETES FLYER

LIVING WELL WITH DIABETES BROCHURE

Your Diabetic Care Team

Greater Regional Health offers multidisciplinary specialists who work together to create a high-quality, personalized diabetes care team. It starts with our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES) and Registered Dieticians. These health professionals possess comprehensive knowledge of and experience in diabetes prevention, prediabetes, and diabetes care and management. Our educators build strong relationships with patients so you can comfortably ask for help and get answers to all of your questions. Your diabetes team will regularly communicate with your primary care provider, so your entire care team stays up-to-date on your treatment plan, even as your needs change. Referral and quick access to other specialists are also available when needed.

If you or a loved one is diabetic or suspect diabetes, Greater Regional Health highly recommends having an established primary care provider. Patients may choose from a wide variety of primary care providers in Creston, as well as providers in the surrounding communities of Lenox, Mt. Ayr, and Corning. A primary care provider provides routine medical care like lab tests, physical exams, and prescriptions. 

Your provider may recommend a screening test if you have certain risk factors for diabetes or are experiencing symptoms. Some people may experience a wide range of symptoms like increased thirst, frequent infections, or slow-healing sores while others may not have symptoms at all. 

Primary Care options include:

• Family Medicine (641) 782-2131: Comprehensive health care for people of all ages.

• Adult Medicine (641) 782-3952: Internal medicine for adults 18 years or older, specializing in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases.

• Pediatrics (641) 782-2131: Physical, behavioral, and mental care for children from birth until age 18.

Specialty Services For Diabetic Conditions

When additional healthcare needs arise, Greater Regional Health offers a variety of on-site specialty services that treat many diabetic conditions.

Weight Management: Keeping a healthy body weight through exercise and healthy eating can help manage diabetes.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT BROCHURE

BMR FOR WEIGHT LOSS FLYER

HEALTH TRACKER

Wound Care/Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Diabetes can make it harder for your body to heal. It may also increase your risk of sores and complications like infections. Greater Regional Wound Care focuses on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers.

Podiatry/Nerve Pain Therapy: Podiatry treats foot related conditions as well as complications and nerve damage from diabetes.

PODIATRY BROCHURE

NERVE PAIN THERAPY BROCHURE

Cardiac Rehabilitation: Diabetes can increase the risk of many heart problems, including heart disease and stroke.

CARDIAC REHAB BROCHURE

Psychiatry: Psychiatry may treat depression and anxiety symptoms related to diabetes.

Union County Public Health: Contact Public Health for vaccines, heart and health risk screenings, and additional resources.

HEART AND HEALTH RISK SCREENING BROCHURE

BETTER CHOICES, BETTER HEALTH WORKSHOP FLYER

Financial Counseling: Contact the Greater Regional Business Office with questions pertaining to your bill or insurance at (641) 782-3538.

Live your best life with diabetes!