Diabetes Care

Diabetes Care

Find Diabetes Care at One of Our Arkansas Locations

For those living with diabetes, life can feel consumed by disease management and worry about potential complications. At Baptist Health, we help you take care of your diabetes and assist you in making lifestyle changes to help manage the disease. 

Our expert team provides care and education for type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, prediabetes, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia through a range of advanced services, including:

  • Assessments to determine individual needs
  • Blood-sugar testing
  • Nutritional counseling, including meal planning and weight management assistance
  • Diabetes education
  • Diabetes self-management program

If you think you may have diabetes or need help managing your condition, request an appointment with one of our expert providers.

Diabetes Self Management Programs

Baptist Health-Little Rock

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 with diabetes with the knowledge and habits they need to take control of their condition and live a healthy life. Our diabetes care program consists of four appointments:
  • First Appointment, Initial Assessment 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 less painfully.
  • Second Appointment, Nutrition You and a registered dietitian will create a personalized plan of eating. The goal is for people to enjoy what they eat while still keeping blood sugar in the target range. You will learn about counting carbohydrates, reading and understanding food labels and meal planning for diabetes.
  • Third Appointment, Group Class This is a small  group of no more than 10 people. We will cover both topics you’ve already discussed in the program as well as new information. We encourage class members to ask questions and to participate.
  • Fourth Appointment, “Putting the Pieces Together” Class We begin the class by asking participants to discuss their difficulties and their successes in reaching their health goals. We will introduce community resources to help you continue your success after completing the program.
Call 501-202-1877 to learn more or register for the program.

Baptist Health Diabetes Care-Fort Smith

The Diabetes Self-Management Program in Fort Smith and consists of three classes that take place over a period of three to four months. The program also offers personalized sessions to evaluate blood sugar control issues, blood pressure and weight.

To participate in this program, you must have a referral from your doctor. Your provider’s office may call 479-441-4183 to schedule your appointment. Medicare and most insurance plans will help cover the cost of the program but check with your insurance provider regarding coverage.

Baptist Health Diabetes Care - Heber Springs and Stuttgart

The Diabetes Self-Management Education Program at Baptist Health Medical Center-Heber Springs and Stuttgart, offer a variety of educational opportunities for our clients to learn how to manage their diabetes, whether it be Type 2, Type 1, or gestational. Our program is accredited by the American Diabetes Association and follows the standards of care that are essential in providing one with diabetes the education and support they need to stop diabetes in its tracks. 

Our program consists of an individual assessment, monthly classes, and medical nutrition therapy for our clients.

  • Individual Assessment is a one-on-one teaching and learning opportunity, where a client meets with a diabetes educator to discuss issues that the client may have with their diabetes and to learn more about the client’s lifestyle and how diabetes affects them personally.
  • Monthly Classes are focused on small group classes taught by our diabetes educators and held once a week for 3 hours.
    • What is Diabetes is the first class of the month. This class is essential in understanding the process of the disease, blood glucose monitoring, complications that may occur, medications, and how to treat hypoglycemia or “low blood sugar”.
    • Nutrition with Diabetes is the second class of the month. Nutrition is one of the key components in successfully treating diabetes. This class covers “what do I eat with diabetes” and discusses carbohydrates, fat, and protein and how they interact with blood glucose, carbohydrate counting, and food label reading, among other important components of nutrition with diabetes.
    • Physical Activity & Stress Management is the third class of the month. This last class discusses benefits of exercise, different types of exercises, and importance of exercise, along with stress management and forming and maintaining healthy habits.
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy is a session where a client has the opportunity to meet with our knowledgeable dietitians to discuss any issues with nutrition. This personal discussion allows clients to develop a customized eating plan and discuss problems with controlling blood glucose.

To learn more about the diabetes education program, contact us at 501-887-3256 (Heber Springs) or 870-674-6603 (Stuttgart).  A physician referral is required for the program.  You may also call Baptist Health HealthLine.

National Diabetes Prevention Program

Prevent Type 2 Diabetes with the PreventT2 Program

The National Diabetes Prevention Program is an evidence-based program that provides a supportive environment where participants come together to learn how they can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes through a nutritious diet and exercise. The program meets for 16 weekly sessions and 6 monthly follow-up sessions and is offered in Little Rock, North Little Rock and Benton. Call 501-202-1540 to register or learn more. PreventT2 is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is proven to help people with pre-diabetes prevent or delay development of type 2 diabetes. What Is the Benefit of Being Part of a PreventT2 Program? As part of a PreventT2 group, you will work with other participants and a trained lifestyle coach to learn the skills you need to make lasting changes. These changes include losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active, and managing stress. Being part of a group provides support from other people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes you are. Together you can celebrate successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.

What Is the Format of the PreventT2 Program?

PreventT2 groups meet for a year — weekly for the first 6 months, then once or twice a month for the second 6 months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. During each session, your lifestyle coach will teach a lesson and lead a group discussion. For example, you will learn to:
  • Eat healthy
  • Add physical activity to your life
  • Manage stress
  • Stay on track when eating out
  • Understand and respond to your food cues
  • Stay motivated
  • Solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes
 

Your PreventT2 Lifestyle Coach

PreventT2 lifestyle coaches have the experience and training to help you reach your goals. Your lifestyle coach will help you:
  • Learn the facts about healthy eating and physical activity and explain how these behaviors will help reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes
  • Set and meet your goals
  • Build relationships with other participants
 

Work as a Group to Meet Challenges

Join PreventT2 — a lifestyle change program proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. It includes:
  • A CDC-approved curriculum
  • Weekly sessions with a trained lifestyle coach to help you lose weight, eat healthier, be more physically active, and manage stress
  • Support from others like you
For the reasons that are important to you, join PreventT2 and receive the support you need to manage your type 2 diabetes care. Baptist Health Community Outreach, A Partnership for a Healthy Arkansas Building 10117 Kanis Road, Little Rock  501-202-1540 PreventT2 is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Diabetes Support Group

Diabetes can be overwhelming, but the condition can feel much more manageable with the right support. Our monthly diabetes support group empowers those living with diabetes and their caregivers to take charge of the disease through relevant, educational talks and connection with others who face the same obstacles. Learn more about our Diabetes Support Group.

Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP)

Diabetes Empowerment Education program (DEEP) is a free 8-week, 6-session program that helps those with pre-diabetes and diabetes, as well as their relatives and caregivers, learn more about diabetes self-care. Classes are offered in Arkadelphia, Bryant, Benton, Lonoke, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, Maumelle and Conway. Call 501-202-1540 to register or learn more.