Being diagnosed with diabetes is becoming more and more common, but that doesn’t make the diagnosis any less overwhelming. As the disease spreads, so does the need for knowledge. Born out of Springfield Clinic’s Endocrinology department, The Diabetes Learning Center (DLC) was created to teach the newly—and not-so newly—diagnosed about their illness and its management.

The DLC works to achieve independence within the disease, educating patients and starting them on the path to self-management and independence.

Our mission

With the support of evidence-based medicine and technology, we are a patient-centered organization. We integrate input from patients, physicians, educators and employees to create a collaborative interdepartmental team approach to ensure our patients receive the highest level of health care possible to optimize and enhance the quality of life.

How can I be part of this?

Admission to the Diabetes Learning Center requires a referral from a Springfield Clinic health care provider to initiate scheduling. The Diabetes Learning Center will keep referring providers fully aware of their patient’s progress.

Will my insurance cover the program?

After we receive your referral into the program, we will verify coverage. Medicare and some private insurance companies cover the program charges.

Diagnosis

A team of qualified physicians and advanced practitioners trained in the field of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism determine if a patient has diabetes, most commonly by measuring the glucose level in the blood. Some patients with diabetes may not experience symptoms, but high glucose levels are a certain indicator of the disease.

These providers serve as the patient’s team leader and coordinate the patient’s care, especially when other medical experts need to be involved in treatment.

Treatment

The Diabetes Learning Center surrounds the patient with the medical expertise necessary to address the patient’s disease and specific symptoms. Specialists in the field of endocrinology, nephrology (kidney diseases), ophthalmology (eye diseases), podiatry (foot health) and others work as a team to determine the patient’s medical needs and make certain each patient receives appropriate care.

Living well with diabetes requires regular tests, examinations and procedures. The medical team at Springfield Clinic’s Diabetes Learning Center will help coordinate regular blood testing, blood pressure reading, cholesterol checks and other diagnostics. Treatment will include regular eye exams and foot exams, and regular dental checkups will be recommended.

Providers at the Diabetes Learning Center will ensure patients receive appropriate vaccinations and help monitor all medication prescribed.

Education

Learning about diabetes is the first step toward feeling better and living a longer healthier life.

At Springfield Clinic’s Diabetes Learning Center, you will also interact with a team of certified diabetes educators and a registered dietitian that specializes in diabetes education. These staff members are certified to teach people with diabetes how to manage their condition in collaboration with their provider.

We provide a wide variety of interactive education classes that focus on nutrition, self-management, lifestyle and support. For patients whose condition requires insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitor, classes are available to teach patients how to use their equipment. Patients interested in learning how to read nutrition labels have that option as well.

Support

Springfield Clinic’s Diabetes Learning Center offers one-on-one appointments to assess needs related to goal setting, financial assistance for medication, insurance questions and other needs. For patients who are on insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors, we offer one-on-one support to help you learn more about the devices and how to best use them to manage your diabetes.

Regular office hours

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

Prescription refills

It is important to keep track of your medication and order refills well before you exhaust your supply. For medications not prescribed by your diabetes provider, please contact the prescribing provider for refills.

Lab Services

The laboratory at the Diabetes Learning Center is open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Trained lab assistants can perform finger stick A1C testing on the spot, so that the patient’s provider has the results prior to the appointment. Most other blood specimens are sent to Springfield Clinic’s main laboratory. The main laboratory is CAP (College of American Pathologists) accredited and is located on the 1st floor at Springfield Clinic Main Campus East Building in Springfield.

Every Springfield Clinic lab can accept orders from all Springfield Clinic physicians and locations, as well as other licensed providers outside Springfield Clinic’s network. For patients who require lab draws when the Diabetes Learning Center lab is closed, our other lab locations offer extended hours.

Results from testing performed at any Clinic laboratory will upload directly into the patient’s electronic medical record and are available to their Springfield Clinic provider as soon as testing is completed.