Our Services & Specialties

The Helwig Health and Diabetes Center will help you learn how to manage your diabetes to help prevent complications of the disease and help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle

Learning you have diabetes is a difficult experience. It is a serious chronic disease with potential major implications. Diabetes, however, is one health problem that people can learn to manage themselves. Through education and good medical supervision, you can learn to lead a healthy and active life. Education is the first step. This is where the Helwig Health and Diabetes Center comes in.

A program of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, the Helwig Health and Diabetes Center was recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 50 hospitals for the treatment of hormonal disorders, including diabetes. We serve to meet the health care needs of the residents of the greater Lehigh Valley area.

Helwig Health and Diabetes Center is committed to providing education to patients, families and health care professionals about living well with diabetes. In the form of individual and small group classes, the staff goes beyond the basics to provide quality information to help you and your family manage diabetes successfully.

Our staff of certified diabetes nurse educators and registered dietitians can help you learn new self-care skills in the areas of diet, exercise, medication administration, home blood sugar testing and prevention of diabetes complications. Our experts are available to answer any questions that may arise in daily living with diabetes.

Family members are invited and encouraged to take part in the education sessions.

Helwig Health and Diabetes Center - Diabetes Education

Small group education is provided on a regular basis by LVH's experienced health care staff.

• What Is Diabetes?
• Meal Planning and Diabetes
• Meter Use and Blood Glucose Monitoring
• Exercise and Diabetes
• Diabetes Medications and Insulin
• High Blood Glucose and Sick Day Management
• Coping With Diabetes
• Diabetic Complications
• Foot Care
• Cardiovascular Health and Diabetes

Our Certified Diabetes Nurse educators provide additional instruction in insulin administration, insulin pump therapy, and self-management of diabetes. Registered Dietitians are available to provide meal planning and nutrition education.

A physician referral is required for all Helwig Health and Diabetes Center services. An assessment of your needs must be completed by our staff before participation in diabetes education classes. If you need assistance in locating a physician, please call LVH, or use our feedback form.

Your First Visit

You will be contacted by our staff to schedule your first appointment and to obtain registration information. Unless there is an urgent need, new patients may be scheduled several weeks in advance. Appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday and occasionally on weekends. Education sessions are generally one to two hours.

You should follow your usual diet, medication and exercise habits before your first visit. If you monitor your blood sugar at home, it is important that you bring your blood glucose testing equipment and any blood sugar records with you.

Program Fees

Fees vary according to the type of services rendered. Family members or those who share in your care are encouraged to come with you to the sessions at no extra charge. Please ask our staff for current fees. The Lehigh Valley Hospital billing officce will bill for services. Questions about bills should be made to the hospital billing office.

Insurance Information

Insurance coverage for diabetes education varies, but most companies recognize the value of diabetes education. Please contact your insurance provider or benefits administrator for specific information. Managed care plans require pre-authorization referrals from your physician to the insurance company. Ask your primary physician's office staff which referrals your plan requires.

Access to care is not denied due to inability to pay for services.

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