Boston Medical Center’s Diabetes Education program is designed to help you and your primary care providers understand your diabetes and any related conditions through education, medication, monitoring, and nutrition and exercise recommendations. Even small changes in behaviors can lead to improvements in health and health-related quality of life! ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/446be4d2-7dcb-4ebe-ad3c-957d1e0fb39f/Diabetes-Team?io=transform:fill,width:550,gravity:center&format=webp) ## Empowering Patients with Skills and Support Diabetes Education is a program of BMC’s [Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition, and Weight Management](/departments/endocrinology "Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition, & Weight Management | Boston Medical Center"). The program aims to enhance self-care knowledge and skills, support behavioral change, promote general health, and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes. This can include individual visits with endocrinologists, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, pharmacists, and dietitians. BMC offers individual and group classes for diabetes education. You may meet with diabetes education team staff in the group, individually, or in both settings. Courses are often paired with a cooking demonstration and tasting. ***Providers:** In order to place a referral for Diabetes Education in EPIC, go to Orders and select DSME. Choose group or individual as appropriate.* ## Diabetes Education Classes Diabetes Education group classes are offered quarterly and typically consist of three sessions held over a five-week period. Each of the three sessions covers different topics related to diabetes. Other courses include how to use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and advanced cooking/nutrition for diabetes. For locations of classes, or if you have other questions, please email or call the Department of Endocrinology at [617.638.7470](tel:617-638-7470) and ask for Cassie. ### Comprehensive Diabetes Education \* DSME/T referral required ##### 2025 (Remaining) - **Winter (December/January)** - Class 1: Thursday, December 4, 5–7 p.m. - Class 2: Thursday, December 18, 5–7 p.m. - Class 3: *Date to be determined (January 2026)* ##### 2026 For calendar year 2026, all classes are currently scheduled to meet on Thursdays and alternate seasonally between mornings (9–11 a.m.) and evenings (5–7 p.m.). - **Winter (January/February)** - Class 1: Thursday, January 8, 9–11 a.m. - Class 2: Thursday, January 22, 9–11 a.m. - Class 3: Thursday, February 5, 9–11 a.m. - **Spring (May/June)** - Class 1: Thursday, April 2, 5–7 p.m. - Class 2: Thursday, April 16, 5–7 p.m. - Class 3: Thursday, April 30, 5–7 p.m. - **Summer (July)** - Class 1: Thursday, July 2, 9–11 a.m. - Class 2: Thursday, July 16, 9–11 a.m. - Class 3: Thursday, July 30, 9–11 a.m. - **Autumn (October)** - Class 1: Thursday, October 1, 5–7 p.m. - Class 2: Thursday, October 15, 5–7 p.m. - Class 3: Thursday, October 29, 5–7 p.m. ### Using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) \* DSME/T referral required ##### 2025 (Remaining) - **Autumn (October/November)** - Class 1: Thursday, October 23, 9–11 a.m. - Class 2: Thursday, November 6, 9–11 a.m. - Class 3: Thursday, November 20, 9–11 a.m. ##### 2026 For calendar year 2026, CGM classes will occur monthly, but dates are still being determined. Please call to confirm meeting location. ### Advanced Nutrition: Cooking with Carbs \* MNT referral required ##### 2025 (Remaining) - **Winter** - Class 1: Thursday, November 6, 9:30–10:30 a.m. - Class 2: Friday, December 5, 9:30–10:30 a.m. - Class 3: Thursday, February 5, 2026, 9:30–10:30 a.m. ##### 2026 - **Spring** - Class 1: Thursday, March 5, 9:30–10:30 a.m. - Class 2: Friday, April 3, 9:30–10:30 a.m. - Class 3: Thursday, May 7, 9:30–10:30 a.m. - **Summer** - Class 1: Thursday, June 4, 9:30–10:30 a.m. - Class 2: Friday, August 7, 9:30–10:30 a.m. - Class 3: Thursday, September 3, 9:30–10:30 a.m. - **Autumn** - Class 1: Thursday, October 1, 9:30–10:30 a.m. - Class 2: Friday, November 6, 9:30–10:30 a.m. - Class 3: Thursday, December 3, 9:30–10:30 a.m. ### Further Resources for Topics Covered in Class ##### Exercise and Stress Relief - Guided meditation/breathing exercises: [Headspace: Grounding Exercise for Racing Minds: Calming Meditation with Dora Kamau](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgRd1Mzhb_Q "Headspace: Grounding Exercise for Racing Minds: Calming Meditation with Dora Kamau | YouTube (youtube.com)") [Headspace: Mini Meditation: Let Go of Stress](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1Ndym-IsQg "Headspace: Mini Meditation: Let Go of Stress | YouTube (youtube.com)") - Tutorial on wall push-ups: [Margaret Martin, Physical Therapist: BEST Wall Push Ups for Seniors & Beginners](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAUeJV4TCus "Margaret Martin, Physical Therapist: BEST Wall Push Ups for Seniors & Beginners | YouTube (youtube.com)") ##### Nutrition - Sources of protein: [American Diabetes Association: Protein Food for Diabetes](https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/reading-food-labels/protein "Protein Food for Diabetes | American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org)") - Guidance on whole grains: [American Heart Association: Get to Know Grains: Why You Need Them, and What to Look For](https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/whole-grains-refined-grains-and-dietary-fiber "Get to Know Grains: Why You Need Them, and What to Look For | American Heart Association (heart.org)") ##### Medical Safety - Staying aware of your blood pressure: [PharmaSmart: Blood Pressure Kiosk Locations](https://www.pharma-smart.com/locate-a-pharmacy "Blood Pressure Kiosk Locations | PharmaSmart (pharma-smart.com)") - Sharps safety: [U.S. Food & Drug Administration: Be Smart with Sharps (PDF)](/sites/default/files/2024-10/Be-Smart-with-Sharps-Pamphlet_0.pdf "U.S. Food & Drug Administration: Be Smart with Sharps (PDF)") ## Our Team ![Diabetes Education team, from left to right: Katelyn O’Brien, PharmD-CDCES, Kyle Bertram, PharmD-CDCES, Molly Brennan, RN-CDCES, Mara Garwood, RD-CDCES, Corrine Aia, RD-CDCES, Elizabeth Brouillard, RD-CDCES, Sheicia Paul, RN-CDCES](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/da28cb1a-bd24-4601-8815-35cfde4ed76b/2026-Diabetes-Education-CDCES-team-photo.jpg) *Diabetes Education team, from left to right: Katelyn O’Brien, PharmD-CDCES, Kyle Bertram, PharmD-CDCES, Molly Brennan, RN-CDCES, Mara Garwood, RD-CDCES, Corrine Aia, RD-CDCES, Elizabeth Brouillard, RD-CDCES, Sheicia Paul, RN-CDCES* ### Corinne Aia, RDN, CDCES ![Headshot of Corinne Aia, RDN, CDCES](/sites/default/files/bmc-diabetes-education-team-corinne-aia-400x600.jpg) ### Registered Dietitian; Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist [See Full Bio](/about-us/directory/corinne-aia-rdn-cdces) ![Headshot of Corinne Aia, RDN, CDCES](/sites/default/files/bmc-diabetes-education-team-corinne-aia-400x600.jpg) ### Corinne Aia, RDN, CDCES Registered Dietitian; Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Corinne Aia is a registered dietitian/nutritionist and a certified diabetes care and education specialist. She attended Simmons University and completed her dietetic internship at the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, New York. Corinne teaches group classes and provides individual diabetes education and medical nutrition therapy. She is an insulin pump trainer with experience helping patients use the latest diabetes technologies to improve the quality of their unique lifestyles. Corinne also contributes to research at BMC that focuses on the adoption of diabetes technology in clinical settings. Close Dialog ### Kyle Bertram, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES ![Headshot of Kyle Bertram, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES](/sites/default/files/bmc-diabetes-education-team-kyle-bertram-400x600.jpg) ### Clinical Specialist – Endocrinology; Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist [See Full Bio](/about-us/directory/kyle-bertram-pharmd) ![Headshot of Kyle Bertram, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES](/sites/default/files/bmc-diabetes-education-team-kyle-bertram-400x600.jpg) ### Kyle Bertram, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES Clinical Specialist – Endocrinology; Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Kyle Bertram, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist, board-certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP), and certified diabetes care and education specialist. He received his doctorate in pharmacy from Northeast Ohio Medical University and completed a year of residency in Wilmington, North Carolina, and a second year specializing in clinic practice in Atlanta, Georgia. As a part of the diabetes education team, Dr. Bertram enjoys working directly with patients to ensure they are on the right medications, ensuring the medications they are taking are working the best they can, ensuring everyone has access to technologies to ease stress around blood sugar, and working with patients toward healthy weight goals. Close Dialog ### Molly Brennan, BSN, RN-CDCES ![Headshot of Molly Brennan, BSN, RN-CDCES, diabetes educator at Boston Medical Center](/sites/default/files/molly-brennan-diabetes-educator-2x3-crop.jpg) ### Registered Nurse; Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist [See Full Bio](/node/178047) ![Headshot of Molly Brennan, BSN, RN-CDCES, diabetes educator at Boston Medical Center](/sites/default/files/molly-brennan-diabetes-educator-2x3-crop.jpg) ### Molly Brennan, BSN, RN-CDCES Registered Nurse; Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Molly Brennan, BSN, RN-CDCES, is a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Endicott College. Molly provides individual diabetes education as well as group education classes. She is an insulin pump trainer who enjoys teaching people how to use technology to improve their health and quality of life. Molly is passionate about learning, and using knowledge as a tool for action. Close Dialog ### Elizabeth Brouillard, RDN, CDCES ![Headshot of Elizabeth Brouillard, RDN, CDCES](/sites/default/files/bmc-diabetes-education-team-elizabeth-brouillard-400x600.jpg) ### Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist [See Full Bio](/about-us/directory/elizabeth-brouillard-rdn-cdces) ![Headshot of Elizabeth Brouillard, RDN, CDCES](/sites/default/files/bmc-diabetes-education-team-elizabeth-brouillard-400x600.jpg) ### Elizabeth Brouillard, RDN, CDCES Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Elizabeth Brouillard is a registered dietitian/nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist. She attended the University of Maryland and completed her dietetic internship at New York–Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Elizabeth is an insulin pump trainer who specializes in diabetes technology. She provides comprehensive diabetes education and medical nutrition therapy to patients, helping them manage their condition through personalized care and advanced treatment tools. In addition, she actively participates in research to determine the most effective diabetes technologies for improving patient outcomes. Close Dialog ### Mara Garwood, RDN, CDCES ![Headshot of Mara Garwood, RDN, CDCES](/sites/default/files/bmc-diabetes-education-team-mara-garwood-400x600.jpg) ### Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist [See Full Bio](/about-us/directory/mara-garwood-rdn-cdces) ![Headshot of Mara Garwood, RDN, CDCES](/sites/default/files/bmc-diabetes-education-team-mara-garwood-400x600.jpg) ### Mara Garwood, RDN, CDCES Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Mara Garwood is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist. She attended the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at Cedar Crest College. Mara offers individual and group medical nutrition therapy and diabetes education. She works with patients to guide their lifestyle towards improved quality of life involving food choices, exercise habits, chronic disease management, and self-advocacy. Close Dialog ### Katelyn O’Brien, PharmD, BCPS, CDCES, BC-ADM ![Headshot of Katelyn O’Brien, PharmD, BCPS, CDCES, BC-ADM](/sites/default/files/bmc-diabetes-education-team-katelyn-obrien-400x600.jpg) ### Clinical Pharmacist - Endocrinology; Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist [See Full Bio](/about-us/directory/katelyn-o-brien-pharmd) ![Headshot of Katelyn O’Brien, PharmD, BCPS, CDCES, BC-ADM](/sites/default/files/bmc-diabetes-education-team-katelyn-obrien-400x600.jpg) ### Katelyn O’Brien, PharmD, BCPS, CDCES, BC-ADM Clinical Pharmacist - Endocrinology; Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Katelyn O’Brien, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist and certified diabetes care and education specialist. She attended the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy in Storrs, Connecticut, and completed her PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at VA Boston Healthcare System. She is board certified in the areas of Pharmacotherapy Specialty (BCPS) and Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM). Dr. O’Brien has been named the 2026 Diabetes Care and Education Specialist of the Year by the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. As a pharmacist, she helps patients get on the right medications for their diabetes. She is passionate about using diabetes technologies to improve outcomes. Close Dialog ### Sheicia Paul, BSN, RN-CDCES ![Headshot of Sheicia Paul, BSN, RN-CDCES](/sites/default/files/bmc-diabetes-education-team-sheicia-paul-400x600.jpg) ### Registered Nurse; Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist [See Full Bio](/about-us/directory/sheicia-paul-bsn-rn-cdces) ![Headshot of Sheicia Paul, BSN, RN-CDCES](/sites/default/files/bmc-diabetes-education-team-sheicia-paul-400x600.jpg) ### Sheicia Paul, BSN, RN-CDCES Registered Nurse; Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Sheicia Paul has been a registered nurse for two decades and a certified diabetes care and education specialist for seven years. She received her BSN from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. Sheicia is the American Diabetes Association Quality Coordinator for the diabetes education program at Boston Medical Center. She is passionate about educating people in self-management of their diabetes, ensuring they have access to the latest standards of care in diabetes, and using technology effectively to improve outcomes and help patients lead fulfilling lives. Sheicia chose to work at BMC because she wants to focus on health equity for all and believes in the BMC mission, “exceptional care, without exception.” Close Dialog ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/76fe25de-1834-4afd-954a-abf5542cb1c7/IMG_8650-jpg?io=transform:fill,width:350,gravity:top&format=webp) Reference Material## Diabetes Resource Book Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Boston Medical Center has created a diabetes resource book to help you build healthy habits, learn key skills, and stay on top of your care. Inside, you’ll find practical tips on everything from healthy eating and stress management to blood sugar monitoring and staying active. [Download in English (PDF)](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Diabetes/Diabetes-Resource-Book-2025/BMC-Diabetes-Resource-Book-2025-English.pdf "BMC Diabetes Resource Book, 2025 (PDF, English)") *Also available in:* [Español](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Diabetes/Diabetes-Resource-Book-2025/BMC-Diabetes-Resource-Book-2025-Espanol.pdf "BMC Diabetes Resource Book, 2025 (PDF, Español)") | [Kreyòl Ayisyen](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Diabetes/Diabetes-Resource-Book-2025/BMC-Diabetes-Resource-Book-2025-Kreyol-Ayisyen.pdf "BMC Diabetes Resource Book, 2025 (PDF, Kreyòl Ayisyen)") | [Português Brasileiro](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Diabetes/Diabetes-Resource-Book-2025/BMC-Diabetes-Resource-Book-2025-Portugues-Brasileiro.pdf "BMC Diabetes Resource Book, 2024 (PDF, Português Brasileiro)") | [Tiếng Việt](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Diabetes/Diabetes-Resource-Book-2025/BMC-Diabetes-Resource-Book-2025-Tieng-Viet.pdf "BMC Diabetes Resource Book, 2025 (PDF, Tiếng Việt)") ## Explore the Program - [← Clinical Diabetes Program](/departments/endocrinology/clinical-diabetes-program) - [Diabetes Resource Center](/diabetes-resource-center) - [Diabetes Educational Videos](/departments/endocrinology/clinical-diabetes-program/diabetes-educational-videos) - [Diabetes Technology Resources](/departments/endocrinology/clinical-diabetes-program/diabetes-technology-resources) *Diabetes information found on these pages should not replace education or instruction from your healthcare provider or certified diabetes educator. We encourage all patients to personalize their diabetes management in collaboration with their healthcare team.*