About Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes is unknown, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Half of Americans who have diabetes are not aware they have the disease. Some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms include:

• Extreme thirst
• Weakness
• Itchy skin
• Skin infections
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Intense hunger
• Irritability
• Fast weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness or tingling in extremities

A simple blood sugar test only takes a few minutes and gives you immediate results. It is important to know if you have diabetes so you can take good care of yourself and prevent complications.

Are you at risk for diabetes? Take the diabetes risk test developed by the American Diabetes Association to find out.

About the Martin Memorial Diabetes Education Program

We provide you with affordable and accessible information on how to manage your diabetes. Our program will help you improve your diabetes self-care skills and enhance your quality of life. You will complete a series of classes that will help you:

• Understand diabetes
• Learn to cope
• Reduce long-term complications
• Reduce hospital admissions
• Learn how to live successfully with diabetes

Our program for adult, pediatric and gestational diabetes is recognized by the American Diabetes Association. Experienced, certified diabetes educators plan and conduct the program, which designed for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Private counseling is also available for women who have gestational diabetes. Family members are encouraged to attend. You will learn about:

• Diabetes nutrition
• Medications
• Exercise
• Stress control
• Personal health habits, including skin, foot, dental care and more
• Prevention, detection and treatment of acute and chronic complications
• Glucose monitoring

Classes are held at Martin Memorial Medical Center in Stuart. Appointments are available in Jensen Beach and St. Lucie West.

Insulin pump training is conducted by certified insulin pump trainers. Individual classes are available for children, those with special needs, or those who speak Spanish.

How to Qualify for the Program

Your doctor can refer you to the program. If you have HMO insurance, your doctor will get an authorization from your insurance. After receiving the prescription from your physician, we will contact you to schedule your initial appointment and register you for our next class series.

Please download and print this diabetes education referral form and take it to your doctor for signature. You may also call our office and we can expedite getting your physician's signature.

Cost of the Program

The cost will depend on the type of education your physician has recommended. Most insurance companies and Medicare cover the cost of this program. We will file with your insurance carrier for you. Please call us for more information.

Contact Us

Martin Memorial Diabetes Education Program
Treasure Coast Medical Pavilion
3946 N.W. Federal Hwy., Suite F
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
(772) 223-2822
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