Holy Cross HospitalA member of Trinity Healh
Holy Cross Hospital 1500 Forest Glen Road Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-754-7000
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Holy Cross Diabetes Education Program

The Holy Cross Diabetes Education Program at Holy Cross Hospital offers multidisciplinary instruction in diabetes management. Our program has received recognition from the American Diabetes Association for quality self-management education. The program is staffed by a registered nurse who is a certified diabetes educator, a registered dietitian, and a board-certified endocrinologist experienced in the care and treatment of this disease.

For more information about diabetes see our Health Information resources.

An Educational Resource
The Holy Cross Diabetes Education Program provides education on a full range of lifestyle and clinical issues related to diabetes.

Program education covers the following topics:

  • Diabetes overview
  • Stress and psychological adjustment
  • Family involvement and social support
  • Nutrition
  • Exercise and activity
  • Medications
  • Blood glucose levels
  • Prevention, detection and treatment of acute and chronic complications
  • Foot, skin and dental care
  • Behavior change strategies, goal setting, risk factor reduction and problem solving
  • Benefits, risks and management options for improving glucose control
  • Use of health care systems and community resources
  • Preconception care, pregnancy and gestational diabetes

Instruction is offered in a group setting as three, three-hour classes, taught over a three-week period. Classes are held on Monday evenings and Thursday mornings.

In addition to group meetings, class participants meet individually with the registered nurse to learn how to use a blood glucose meter and with the dietitian to discuss food choices.

Upon completion of the course, most class participants are able to self-manage their diabetes on a day-to-day basis, with the assistance of their health care team.

For more information about our Diabetes Education Program, call Linda Nuttall, Diabetes Educator, at 301-754-7448.

What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a pregnancy-induced disease usually occurring in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is caused by an intolerance of carbohydrates and is characterized by abnormally high blood glucose levels. If untreated, the mother is at increased risk of blood pressure problems, infections, and other associated complications. The baby is at increased risk for cardiac problems, prematurity, and stillbirth.

Holy Cross Gestational Diabetes Program
We offer a specialized diabetes education program to teach self-management techniques to mothers-to-be in personalized, one-on-one sessions. Through the Holy Cross Gestational Diabetes Program, women with gestational diabetes are able to meet with a certified nurse diabetes educator and dietitian.

Through the program, expectant moms learn:

  • Why blood sugars may become abnormally high during pregnancy
  • Steps for ensuring a healthy pregnancy
  • Ways to test blood sugar (equipment loans are available)
  • Meal planning
  • The need for insulin
  • What to expect after the baby is born

Following instruction, physicians will be notified of the patient’s progress. Patients will have follow-up contact when patients provide blood sugar results on a weekly basis to the nurse educator.

For more information on the Holy Cross Gestational Diabetes Program, contact Nancy Wood, RN, Diabetes Educator, at 301-754-7449.

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