Eating properly and managing your weight can be tough, especially if you have a health concern like diabetes or an underlying health condition as a result of diabetes. Through one-on-one scheduled appointments or virtual group classes, Baptist Health makes access to care easy; we offer a variety of ways to connect with us virtually for health consultations and classes. Each unique class offers education, resources and connects you with our expert teachers and educators.
Upon registration you’ll be given instruction for how to join us, you can log in from a desktop computer with a camera and microphone or use the camera on your mobile device.
Diabetes Empowerment Education program (DEEP) is a free, 6-session program that helps those with pre-diabetes and diabetes, as well as their relatives and caregivers.
Classes are currently being offering in a virtual setting (you can join via desktop computer or mobile device).
Call 501-202-1540 to register or learn more.
The Know It, Control It! program is a free, 8-session program that teaches individuals how to take their blood pressure and also manage it. To enroll in the program individuals must:
Classes are currently being offering in a virtual setting (you can join via desktop computer or mobile device).
Call 501-202-1540 to register or learn more.
Free cooking classes are taught by a registered dietitian and designed to help gain confidence in the kitchen and learn about the foods you love to eat!
Topics include:
Classes are currently being offering in a virtual setting (you can join via desktop computer or mobile device).
Call 501-202-1540 to register or learn more.
Kidney disease, or nephropathy, is the deterioration of kidney function and could require various kidney disease treatments. According to the Centers for Disease Control, diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to kidney disease. This free one-hour class discusses the risks factors, symptoms and basics of chronic kidney disease.
Classes are currently being offering in a virtual setting (you can join via desktop computer or mobile device).
Call 501-202-1540 to register or learn more.
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that is seen in a pregnant woman who did not have diabetes prior to pregnancy. Some women have more than one pregnancy affected by gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually shows up in the middle of pregnancy. Doctors most often test for it between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes can be controlled through eating healthy foods and regular exercise. Sometimes gestational diabetes requires women to take insulin.
Diabetes educators will review the physiology of gestational diabetes, the importance of avoiding complications and goals for treatment. After instruction, the patient will be able to use a glucometer and demonstrate understanding of target glucose levels. We will provide a gestational consistent carb meal pattern and treat the patient to count carbohydrates.
Virtual visits are available Monday’s through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Call 501-202-1877 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Fax referrals to 501-202-1209.
Almost 15% of the adult population in Arkansas have diabetes, and it is estimated that 75,000 have undiagnosed diabetes. Every year an estimated 25,000 people in Arkansas are diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes leads to serious complications including heart disease, stroke, amputation, end-stage kidney disease, blindness, and death.
The Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Services at Baptist Health helps adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes effectively manage their disease. Accredited by the American Diabetes Association, the program equips those who have been diagnosed with diabetes learn the knowledge and habits they need to take control of their condition and live a healthy life. Our diabetes care program is currently available through virtual visits and consists of four appointments:
First Appointment: Initial assessment where you will meet with a diabetes educator who will listen to your experiences and concerns about living with diabetes. The educator will describe how diabetes affects the body and how to avoid complications. You will receive a glucometer if you need one and learn how to test blood sugar with less pain.
Second Appointment: Focusing on proper nutrition, you and a registered dietitian will create a personalized plan for eating. The goal is for individuals to enjoy what they eat while still keeping blood sugar in a target range. You will learn about counting carbohydrates, interpreting food labels and meal planning for diabetes.
Third Appointment: This is a virtual group class. We will review topics covered in previous individual sessions and include additional information and education. Class participants are always encouraged to ask questions and actively participate.
Fourth Appointment: “Putting the Pieces Together” class. We will begin the class by asking participants to discuss their difficulties and their successes experienced in their journey of managing their diabetes. The class will discuss the benefits and principles of including exercise in the management of diabetes. We will introduce available community resources to help them continue their success after completing the Baptist Health Diabetes Self-Management Program.
Virtual visits are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Call 501-202-1877 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Fax referrals to 501-202-1209.
Nutritional Counseling appointments are for patients who deal with a variety of health conditions: pre-diabetes, weight loss, food allergies, bariatric pre-evaluations, and other various nutrition diagnoses. Appointments are currently conducted one-on-one with a Registered Dietitian through a virtual visit.
Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance for coverage of a medical nutrition therapy session because not all insurance companies cover these visits. If not covered by insurance, sessions will be self-pay. Staff will work with your primary care provider to get referrals when needed.
Virtual visits are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Call 501-202-1877 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Fax referrals to 501-202-1209.
Weight gain and obesity are on the rise and can be related to the increase in chronic illnesses. Weight loss is a simple treatment to help individuals prevent the occurrence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.
Intensive Option: The Baptist Health Weight Loss Program is an easy-to-follow program based on your body’s individual needs. We provide a safe and effective weight loss journey by measuring your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and customizing the program to meet your individual needs. Program participants will use a combination of our protein rich products while learning to choose, prepare and portion their food from the grocery store. We encourage physical activity to aid in the weight loss process and to keep pounds off. With the help of an exercise physiologist, we assess and prescribe an appropriate exercise regimen that will preserve your lean body mass and drive up your metabolism.
Virtual Option: We are now offering a hybrid weight loss program. This option allows all the benefits our intensive weight loss program, but most of the information and meetings will be held in a virtual setting. Some in-person visits are required but will be done in a safe and clean environment. Virtual participants will be expected to weigh themselves at home to report weekly progress.
Metabolism Testing: For those interested in a do-it-yourself-approach, we offer our metabolism testing option that provides you with your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) to set your own plan with our help and guidance.
Call 501-202-2001 (option 1) to learn more about weight loss program offerings.