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!
Empowering Patients with Skills and Support
Diabetes Education is a program of BMC’s Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition, and Weight Management. 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.
November Is Diabetes Awareness Month!
According to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 40.1 million people in the United States have diabetes. That’s about 1 in every 10 people. Of those people with diabetes, 1 in 5 do not know they have it. About 115.2 million adults in the US—more than 2 in 5 adults—have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 8 in 10 do not know they have it.
To find out if you might have prediabetes or diabetes, take the 60-second diabetes risk test from the American Diabetes Association and share the result with your healthcare provider.
And to learn more about how to prevent prediabetes and how to manage day-to-day living with diabetes, join our group classes!
30-Day Activity Challenge
Please join the Diabetes Education team in a 30-day activity challenge to promote a healthy lifestyle and understanding of how small changes can have a big positive impact on health outcomes for those living with diabetes. The daily activity calender is available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese.
Diabetes Education Classes
About Our 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.
For calendar year 2027, all classes are currently scheduled to meet on Thursdays, in person and via telemedicine. Time of class alternates seasonally between mornings (9–11 a.m.) and evenings (5–7 p.m.).
Other courses we have offered include how to use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and advanced cooking/nutrition for diabetes.
Questions?
For locations of classes, or if you have other questions, please email DSME@bmc.org. You may also call the Department of Endocrinology at 617.638.7470 and ask for Cassie.
Comprehensive Diabetes Education*
- Winter (January/February)
- Class 1: Thursday, January 7, 9–11 a.m.
- Class 2: Thursday, January 21, 9–11 a.m.
- Class 3: Thursday, February 4, 9–11 a.m.
- Spring (April)
- Class 1: Thursday, April 1, 5–7 p.m.
- Class 2: Thursday, April 15, 5–7 p.m.
- Class 3: Thursday, April 29, 5–7 p.m.
- Summer (July)
- Class 1: Thursday, July 1, 9–11 a.m.
- Class 2: Thursday, July 15, 9–11 a.m.
- Class 3: Thursday, July 29, 9–11 a.m.
- Autumn (October/November)
- Class 1: Thursday, October 7, 5–7 p.m.
- Class 2: Thursday, October 21, 5–7 p.m.
- Class 3: Thursday, November 4, 5–7 p.m.
* DSME/T referral required.
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
Headspace: Mini Meditation: Let Go of Stress - Tutorial on wall push-ups: Margaret Martin, Physical Therapist: BEST Wall Push Ups for Seniors & Beginners
Nutrition
- Sources of protein: American Diabetes Association: Protein Food for Diabetes
- Guidance on whole grains: American Heart Association: Get to Know Grains: Why You Need Them, and What to Look For
Medical Safety
- Staying aware of your blood pressure: PharmaSmart: Blood Pressure Kiosk Locations
- Sharps safety: 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
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.
Also available in: Español | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português Brasileiro | Tiếng Việt
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.