Learn how to safely manage your diabetes at one of LincolnHealth’s free, three-part Diabetes Education Class Series. The series of classes will be offered in Boothbay Harbor in May, in Waldoboro in June, and in Wiscasset in September. Those interested in participating in the May series are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

“More than 2,000 individuals have been diagnosed with diabetes in Lincoln County. These sessions provide information and guidance on managing diabetes so that individuals with diabetes can be successful and feel confident in knowing what to do to feel better, have more energy, and reduce their risk of developing problems from diabetes such as heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure,” stated Marilyn Finch, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator. Classes will be taught by LincolnHealth nurse diabetes educators and dietitians.

Each class will discuss different topics so participants are encouraged to attend all three classes in the series. The first class is an introduction to diabetes, the disease process, treatment options, and medications. The second class covers topics like problems caused by diabetes, how to prevent those problems, and behavior change challenges. The third class is on nutrition, understanding how different foods affect blood glucose levels, how to read a food label and general meal management for safe diabetes care.

“I found a further reason to exercise since going to the class and it has made a positive impact on my A1C level. Before the class, my A1C level was 8.3, and my first reading after the class was 7.5,” explained Jim McGrath who attended a previous series. “The class helps make sure you are doing what you are supposed to,” he added.

People can take the classes in either May, June or September depending on which location and month works best for them. Classes in the May series will take place at the Boothbay Region YMCA on May 3 and 10 from 4-6 p.m. and on May 17 from 4-5:30 p.m. The June series will take place at the Waldoboro Broad Bay Congregational Church on June 7 and 14 from 4-6 p.m. and on June 21 from 4-5:30 p.m. The September series will take place at the St. Philip’s Church in Wiscasset on Sept. 6 and 13 from 4-6 p.m. and on Sept. 20 from 4-5:30 p.m.

These classes are intended for people diagnosed with diabetes who want to learn more about diabetes self-management and available resources. No physician referral is needed. Spouses, family members or support people are welcome to attend, but only one additional guest is preferred.

For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact Marilyn Finch, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator, at (207) 563-4442. Space is limited.