HCI Home >> Services >> Diabetic Information Management Education and Support (DIMES)

The Program

The DIMES program is a small group program for people with diabetes who are newly diagnosed and have had minimal prior diabetes education*. The DIMES program serves both HCI clinics - WATCH and MCCC.

Some of the topic areas include an overview of the disease process, healthy eating, blood glucose monitoring, and medications to help control diabetes, exercise, personal goal setting, and how to lower acute and chronic risk for other health problems. Participants will have an opportunity for group discussion and to practice new skills.

Diabetic Self-Managment Education*

Self-management education or training is a key step in improving health outcomes and quality of life. It focuses on self-care behaviors, such as healthy eating, being active, and monitoring blood glucose. It is a collaborative process in which diabetes educators help people with or at risk for diabetes gain the knowledge and problem-solving and coping skills needed to successfully self-manage the disease and its related conditions.

Program Curriculum

• Diabetes Overview
• Benefits, Risk and Management Options
• Prevention, Detection, and Treatment
• Monitoring and Use of Results
• Behavioral Goal Setting
• Nutrition: Diet, Goal Setting and Food Choices
• Medications
• Exercise and Activity
• Ancillary Care: Foot, Eye and Dental Health
• Stress and Psychosocial Adjustments

Facts About Diabetes

Prevalence of Diagnosed & Undiagnosed Diabetes in the United States, All Ages, 2007:

• Total: 23.6 million people—7.8 percent of the population—have diabetes.
• Diagnosed: 17.9 million people
• Undiagnosed: 5.7 million people

How to Apply for the Program

Patients are easily referred to the DIMES program by completing and faxing or mailing the DIMES referral form. A summary of topics taught, patient skills acquired, and continuing goals will be provided to the referring physician once the patient completes the program. Patients who complete the program will be eligible for advanced additional training on a yearly basis.

The DIMES flyer includes more detailed information about the steps of the program, as well as a form to fill out for those interested. Click here to download the flyer in PDF format.

For more answers about the DIMES program or any other HCI program, please contact us.