The Real-World Diabetes Program includes 4 classes that cover topics such as nutrition, physical activity and managing diabetes.
A referral form or a written prescription from your healthcare provider for “Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME)” or “Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)” is required before you can register for this program. The prescription must list your medical diagnosis.
What to Know Before I Register?
- Medicare covers diabetes self-management training/education under Medicare Part B. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare Supplemental Plan, diabetes self-management training/education should be covered. Please check with your insurance plan for details.
- You may be responsible for any co-pays.
- Medicare will cover a total of 10 hours of initial diabetes self-management training/education.
- Your initial diabetes training/education must be completed no more than 12 months from the time you start.
- Medicare will also cover an initial 3 hours of individualized nutrition counseling (Medical Nutrition Therapy or “MNT”).
- You are also covered for 2 hours of follow-up training/education each year, and 2 hours of nutrition counseling each year following your initial year of training/education.
- Call 215-707-3800 to learn more.
What Will I Learn in This Program?
The Real-World Diabetes Program includes the following 4 classes:
- Starting Line: The first class will explain what diabetes is and what causes it in an easy-to-understand way. It will also review important lab levels, medications, how to prevent complications, and how to handle emergency situations.
- What’s Cooking: This class will help you develop a diet that may work for you by showing you how to read food labels, count carbohydrates, and control your portion sizes.
- Dining with Diabetes: During this class, we will help you create a meal plan that is focused on lowering carbohydrates and understanding food labels. We will also address the challenges of dining outside the home, ordering take-out and drinking alcohol.
- My Life on the Go: Leading an active life is an important part of managing diabetes. This class will show you how to get up and get moving. You will also learn tips for overcoming diabetes distress and how to deal with stressful situations.
What Are Classes Like?
Classes are kept small and include a lot of hands-on activities so that you can easily understand what you're learning. Classes can also be taken individually using telehealth.
There are no tests and no pressure, but we encourage you to ask questions and take notes. Often, participants find they learn as much from their classmates as they do from the teachers.
Whether your class is in-person or by telehealth, you are encouraged to bring a support person with you.
When and Where Are Classes Held?
Group classes will start in Winter 2021 at Temple University Hospital – Main Campus, located at 3401 N. Broad Street in Philadelphia.
Individual telehealth appointments may also be made so you can learn in the comfort of your own home.
Call the Real-World Diabetes Program today at 215-707-3800 and take control of your health.
Who Teaches the Classes?
All classes are taught by Temple Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. Visit our diabetes education team page to learn more about each of our educators.