Diabetes Self-Management Programs
Diabetes classes and support groups in San Diego
Diabetes classes and support groups in San Diego
Learn how to take control of your diabetes through our individual and group diabetes classes and support groups. Most insurance plans will cover classes with physician referral. Cash pay discounts available. The Scripps Whittier Diabetes Self Management Program is recognized for its high quality by the American Diabetes Association.
You can also join our Scripps Diabetes Prevention Program for classes about nutrition, fitness, weight management and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Diabetes self-management classes
Attend this series of five group classes to gain the skills and knowledge you need to effectively manage your diabetes and stay healthy. In these group classes, nurses, registered dietitians and diabetes health educators share their expertise. Become empowered to care for your diabetes through informed choices in our class series recognized by the American Diabetes Association.
This five-part program covers such topics as:
- Basic facts about diabetes
- Effects of food on blood sugar levels
- How to include a variety of foods in a healthy meal plan
- Dining out
- Food label reading
- Home blood sugar monitoring
- Diabetes medications
- How to maintain optimum health
- How to manage stress
- Recommended physical activity
Classes are offered in English or Spanish on weekdays, day or evening, as video visits or in-person in multiple locations throughout San Diego County.
We are also offering new classes for our Filipino and Middle Eastern communities in English, Tagalog and Arabic. The classes are culturally tailored to meet the needs of our Filipino and Middle Eastern communities.
Dates, times and locations vary.
For more information or to enroll, please email scrippsdiabetescare@scrippshealth.org. You can also call us at 858-678-7050 or 877-944-8843.
Gestational diabetes care management and education
Women with gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) can get education that is coordinated with their obstetrician, perinatologist and endocrinologist when necessary. Every woman with gestational diabetes at Scripps receives individualized nutritional guidance from a registered dietitian to help ensure a healthy pregnancy. In addition, each woman is assigned a care manager who maintains frequent contact with them to monitor blood glucose levels throughout the pregnancy. When the blood glucose levels are higher than ideal after making modifications in diet and meal plans, medications may be necessary and this is managed by a nurse care manager in collaboration with their perinatologist or endocrinologist. Much of the care management communication with patients can be managed virtually via the patients MyScripps portal, with only intermittent in-person visits required.
Insulin pumps and glucose monitoring consulations
Certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCESs) at Scripps provide counseling on self-management skills and home blood glucose monitoring. When you work with our diabetes educators they create individualized training on how to best use your specific type of insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor. This session is helpful even if you have had a pump before, as technology can change.
Behavioral Health Integration Program (BeHIP)
A clinical psychologist is available to help you manage and cope with the emotional side of living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. You have access to this additional support to help you make important health behavior changes to effectively manage your diabetes. The program offers primarily group-based therapy options, but limited individual appointments are also available. Talk with your physician or diabetes educator if you are interested in participating.
Individualized nutrition counseling appointments
We believe wellness begins with healthy food choices. Our goal is to support you in making healthy eating decisions that align with your individualized health goals through nutrition counseling. Our team of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) provide comprehensive, personalized and evidence-based medical nutrition therapy.
RDNs are credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Our team includes RDNs with advanced degrees and nutrition specialty certifications.
In addition to nutrition education, the RDN will talk through your challenges and goals. Together you’ll create personalized solutions to help you reach your goals successfully. We’ll ensure you have the support you need to achieve and maintain your goals, while considering your lifestyle, culture and eating preferences when making nutrition recommendations.
We offer specialized counseling for many nutrition-related health concerns, such as:
- Cancer prevention
- Eating disorders
- Diabetes type 1 and 2
- Dietary guidelines for overall wellness
- Food allergies/intolerances
- Gastrointestinal issues
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Kidney disease
- Metabolic syndrome
- Pediatric nutrition
- Pregnancy
- Vegetarian/vegan diets
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
Nutrition counseling sessions are available in person or virtually. Most insurances will cover Medical Nutrition Therapy with a referral from your physician. It is best to check with your insurance plan before scheduling your visit. Bilingual (English/Spanish) dietitians are available.
To schedule your nutrition consultation please call 858-678-7050 or 877-944-8843 to learn more and to schedule an appointment.
Visits are covered by most health insurance with a physician referral.
Program locations
Our certified diabetes care and education specialists, and our registered dietitian nutritionists help you learn how to take control of your health. For locations near you, please call 877-944-8843. To register for a program or session, call your primary care physician or endocrinologist and ask for a referral.