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Diabetes onset can be delayed and complications reduced with improved lifestyle behaviors. Laboratory tests, exams, patient education and healthcare professionals can benefit those with diabetes.
Mission statement
The mission of Community Hospital’s Diabetes Education Center is to improve the knowledge, health and quality of life of individuals with diabetes. Empowering individuals and the community through education on diabetes management is the key to achieving optimal health.

Our healthcare professionals
Becky Menge, RD, CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator)
Terri Thompson, RN, BSN, Diabetes Specialist

Diabetes in the United States
• Almost 17 million people have diabetes.
• 7.5% of the U.S. population has diabetes.
• Every week 15,000 people learn they have diabetes.
• Diabetes is the seventh-leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Diabetes has an annual mortality rate of 54,000
• 50% of patients with diabetes are over the age of 54

Diabetes in Colorado
• Approximately 5% of adults in Colorado have diabetes—that’s 247,300 people.
• Diabetes is increasing rapidly in children
• Certain racial and ethnic groups suffer from diabetes and its complications more than others. African-American and Latino Coloradans experience higher rates than their white counterparts.

Learning to manage diabetes requires making informed choices. Community Hospital’s Diabetes Education Center provides the most current information to help people make choices that lead to a healthier life with fewer complications from diabetes.

Our diabetes self-management course is a combination of individual and group educational sessions for people and /or families with diabetes. The course is taught by a team of experienced educators, including a nurse, dietitian and mental-health specialist.

Education for gestational diabetes, pediatric patients, families, and those with special needs is available as well.
Community Hospital’s education classes cover:
• Disease process and treatment options
• Nutritional management and carbohydrate recommendations
• Physical activity recommendations
• Medications
• Monitoring blood glucose levels
• Preventing and detecting complications
• Goal setting
• Psychosocial adjustment
• Preconception care
• Hypo/Hyperglycemia education

Community Hospital Diabetes Education programs include:
• Diabetes Support Group: Meetings for patients, family and friends are the second Tuesday of every month. For more information call (970)256-6381. There is no charge for attending support group meetings.
• Blood glucose monitors
• Diabetes Self Management Training (DSMT) classes
• Foot screening
• Diabetes camp for kids with diabetes. We are now researching and developing a camp. If you are interested in this program or in volunteering, please call us at (970) 256-6381.

Insurance coverage
Outpatient diabetes education is covered by many insurance plans with a physician referral. Our staff will assist you to verify coverage or determine a fee schedule.

Call to schedule your appointment, (970) 241-0362, at Community Hospital’s Diabetes Education Center at 2004 N. 12th St., which is located in the Community Professional Plaza across the street from Community Hospital.