Teaching patients to live with diabetes

Store sells insulin pumps, offers classes with dieticians

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The newly opened Diabetes Health Center Inc., offers several diabetes related educational classes for the public.

The Diabetes Health Center, 4270 S. Cameron St., Suite 3, is a provider of insulin pumps and other diabetes related supplies, excluding insulin.

"Our primary mission is to provide the Western states with insulin pumps and to provide training about the pumps and other equipment," said Robb Miller, vice presidents of sales. "There's not enough education about diabetes and proper treatment. Because diabetes is a disease that can be maintained with proper care, people just need to know how to take care of themselves properly."

The classes the business offers are taught by a certified pump trainer and dietician.

Tom Shaffer, president and chief executive officer of the center, said that they offer classes covering insulin pumps because there seem to be many misconceptions about the product.

"The pump continuously pumps insulin into your body in small amounts," Shaffer said. "You take (the catheter) out once every three days, so you're not poking yourself with a needle several times a day."

Insulin pumps are small pumps, approximately the size of a cellular phone, you can clip to the waist of pants. The pumps continuously deliver insulin to the body via a catheter that is placed under the skin, usually somewhere on the abdomen.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to the device, but the conveniences of not having to inject individual insulin shots seems to be one of the largest draws, Shaffer said.

"It's a life-changing device, I think," Miller said. "It keeps your insulin levels more steady. If you have a big meal you just bump it up. You don't have to give yourself an extra shot."

Besides the class on insulin pumps, the center also offers classes on general diabetes management, diabetes management in pediatrics, how to uncover blood glucose trends, basic carbohydrate counting and meal planning, insulin pump therapy and continuous glucose monitoring.

All of the classes are free, however, calling ahead to reserve a place is required so the owners know how much space is needed.

Classes are currently being held every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

For additional information, call 257-9713.