Manage your diabetes with a team of experts
At MultiCare’s Center for Diabetes Education, a team of registered nurses, registered dietitians and pharmacists, specializes in teaching people with diabetes how to effectively manage their disease. Our medical director, Dr. Ronald Graf, an endocrinologist who specializes in diabetes, oversees your team as they work together to provide you with comprehensive diabetes care, education and nutrition advice in a reassuring and positive atmosphere. Watch this video by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), on how diabetes management takes a team.
As a MultiCare facility, the Center is linked by our secure electronic health record system, so your providers have instant access to your current medical information, including glucose monitoring data, history, medications and more. That means they can provide you with even safer, smarter, more convenient care.
Comprehensive diabetes education
We offer individual and group classes designed to help you set reasonable goals and give you strategies to accomplish them.
Program topics include:
- Blood sugar monitoring (glucose meters provided)
- Signs/symptoms and treatment of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
- Treatment options and diabetes medications
- Preventing complications and foot care
- Physical activity
- Care during illness
- Living with diabetes
An assessment by a registered dietitian provides a personalized meal plan for class participants. The nutritional information of diabetes education includes the following:
- TAB guidelines
- Sugars and sweeteners
- Dining out
- Alcohol
- Label reading
- Weight loss
- Carbohydrates (includes “carb counting”)
- Protein, fats, cholesterol, fiber and sodium
If you are pregnant, MultiCare’s Diabetes Program offers a complete package of services for pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes or gestational diabetes. Learn more about expert care for high-risk pregnancies.
Talk to your physician
Our programs do require a referral from a patient’s primary care provider.
Does insurance cover these programs?
In general, most insurance companies cover diabetes education. We encourage you to contact your insurance company regarding your coverage for our programs, and our staff is more than happy to assist with insurance coverage questions. Costs vary depending on the services provided.
For more information, call MultiCare’s Center for Diabetes Education at 253-403-1726 in Tacoma, Mary Bridge at 253-403-3131, Puyallup at 253-697-1356, or South King County at 253-372-6996.
For diabetes services in the Inland Northwest region, call 509-342-3450.
Advanced diabetes self management
Insulin Pumps
If you are dependent on insulin therapy, insulin pumps may be the best way to control your blood sugar. Our staff can discuss with you how the pump works and how it may be of benefit to you. If you receive an insulin pump they will teach you how to use it and how to adjust your settings for the best control of blood sugar.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS)
A Continuous Glucose Monitoring System is a device that records your blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. This is done by inserting a tiny glucose sensor just under the skin of your abdomen. The system records your tissue blood glucose every five minutes for up to a week. This information can be helpful for those who are having difficulty balancing insulin, food and activity for optimal blood sugar control. Our staff will provide instruction for how to use the device and use the information to make the necessary self-care changes.
Pharmacist Medication Management
For more information regarding these services, please visit Diabetes Management Services.
Resources
- How COVID-19 Impacts People with Diabetes
- Planning Healthy Meals
- Meal Planning Workshop
- MultiCare Employee Benefits
- Insulin and injectables booklet
- 2024 Diabetes and Nutrition Services and class schedule flyer
- Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool
- Best foods for you: Healthy food choices for people with diabetes
- What can I eat from the dollar store?
- Video: Diabetes Care: How to Inject Insulin with a Syringe
- Video: Diabetes Care: How to Inject Insulin with a Pen Needle
For providers
Call for more information
Call MultiCare’s Center for Diabetes Education at:
- 253-403-1726 for Tacoma / Gig Harbor
- 253-372-6996 for Covington / Auburn
- 253-697-1356 for Puyallup
- 509-342-3450 for Spokane area
Nationally-Accredited Programs
Our programs have received national recognition by the American Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES).