Our Services

Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive education program for adults with diabetes, either newly diagnosed or for those patients needing extra guidance with diabetes control at Skagit Valley Hospital. 

The program is covered by most insurance companies. Patients who are not covered by insurance may self-refer; you may qualify for sliding scale payments. Referrals should be faxed to 360-814-5515 for Skagit Valley Hospital. Our hours are weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Skagit Regional Health’s Diabetic Education Program is certified by the American Diabetes Association and recognized by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

For other questions, or more information about the program, call our Diabetes Education Scheduler at 360-814-8329.

Our Program

The Diabetes Education program includes group education classes, one-on-one and follow-up appointments. 

The Diabetes Education classes include the following topics:

  • Diabetes knowledge
  • Meal planning
  • Physical activity and the positive effects on diabetes
  • Blood glucose monitoring
  • Medication management
  • Insulin pump training
  • Insulin management
  • Risk reduction
  • Coping and problem solving

All classes are taught in English. Non-English speaking patients will be provided education in individual sessions utilizing medical interpreters.

Program instructors include registered nurses, registered dietitians, a pharmacist, a certified physician assistant and certified diabetes educators.

Did you know?

  • Medicare coverage for new diabetes diagnoses or patients new to Medicare allow 10 hours of diabetes education and three hours of medical nutrition therapy in the first 12 months of referral placement. 
  • Medicare covers continued diabetes education after the first 10 hours are used. Coverage is two hours of diabetes education and two hours of medical nutrition therapy per year. 
  • Commercial insurances are verified prior to establishing care. 

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

Management of diabetes involves maintaining blood glucose levels close to the normal range. Standard methods for glucose testing currently include self-monitoring of blood glucose and laboratory testing of HbA1c to measure longer term glycemic control.

Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP)

Continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs) were developed to gain a more complete picture of blood glucose levels. These systems monitor interstitial glucose levels every five minutes, or 288 times per day. A small sensor, worn underneath the skin and measures and stores data. The data provides important information about glucose trends throughout the day and night to help the patient and provider optimize control of glucose levels for improved health.

We offer:

  • Professional 10-day CGM monitoring study
  • Personal CGM education
  • CGM report education. 

Gestational Diabetes Program

Gestational diabetes affects approximately 7-14 percent of all pregnant women. Careful control of blood sugar and weight is important to prevent complications for both mother and baby.

Skagit Regional Health offers a referral-based education program to improve gestational diabetes self-management skills. Our highly trained and dedicated diabetes education team provides participants with the skills to manage their blood sugar through healthy eating, stress management, increased activity and blood glucose monitoring.

For more information please contact our Diabetes Education Program at 360-814-8329.

For More Information about Diabetes Care at Skagit Regional Health

To learn more about our comprehensive care and management of diabetes, please contact one of our team members at Skagit Regional Health at 360-814-8329. We can help you make an appointment with a diabetes specialist at our  convenient location.