In addition to the Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP), participants may attend the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program which focuses broadly on how to manage and thrive with chronic diseases and conditions of all types. Topics include the importance of proper rest, making informed treatment decisions, pain and fatigue management, weight management and working with your health care organization.

The food we eat plays an essential role in the treatment and prevention of chronic disease, including diabetes. Making good food choices and having flexibility in creating meals will allow you to enjoy a wide range of foods. It's important to work with a specialist who can help you gain new skills and confidence in meal planning so that you can live a healthy lifestyle without feeling deprived.

Texas Health offers medical nutrition therapy for adults to help in treating medical conditions and associated symptoms. Medical nutrition therapy is delivered by a registered dietitian who will create a tailored meal plan to meet individual needs for proper diet and nutrition.

For individuals living with diabetes, knowing their blood glucose (blood sugar) levels is crucial in living with the disease. Continuous Glucose Monitoring tracks blood glucose levels at regular intervals throughout the day and night. The information can be used as a guide in managing the effects of food, physical activity and medication on blood glucose levels.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring is an effective way for individuals to put their numbers in context to help manage their diabetes. The information gained through continuous monitoring allows for adjustments to be made in medication, exercise and nutrition as needed.

Controlling your health has never been easier. Texas Health offers free self-management programs that focus on chronic disease including one specific to diabetes. These programs are award-winning, evidence-based programs (originally developed at Stanford University) that enable you to take control of your health through a series of workshops held once a week for six weeks. Each workshop is in a group setting, lasts two-and-a-half hours and teaches the basic skills necessary to carefully monitor and manage your disease. Workshops are taught by certified, lay leaders and focus on problem solving, decision making and action planning to help you gain control over your chronic illness and improve your quality of life. There are a variety of topics discussed such as the importance of proper rest, dealing with difficult emotions, pain and fatigue management, weight management, working with your health care provider and much more.

The Diabetes Self-Management Program is similar in format to the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program but offers additional topics specific to managing diabetes such as, identifying the signs and symptoms of high or low blood sugar, the importance of monitoring your blood sugar, preventing complications, managing your medications, how food and exercise affect blood glucose levels, effective communication techniques and more.

For more information, please call 1-877-THR-WELL.