Mission Statement
The mission of the USF Diabetes Center is to provide professional, student and patient education to improve the Health of individuals who have diabetes mellitus. In addition, the mission is to conduct investigations into solutions for the many problems associated with diabetes mellitus.Programs and Services
Diabetes Self Management Education
Diabetes education is essential for all people with diabetes. Learning to take care of yourself when you have diabetes can help you reduce your risk of the complications related to diabetes and can help you feel better. You can take charge of diabetes.You will need a referral from your doctor or nurse practitioner to attend diabetes education, as required by many insurance companies. Medicare and most private insurances reimburse for diabetes education. Call your insurance plan and ask how diabetes education is covered as a benefit. To inquire about scheduling classes or individual education, or to obtain a blank referral form for your provider, please call the USF Scheduling Department at (813) 974-2201. For further information about the program, please call the Diabetes Center at (813) 974-5745.
The Diabetes Education Program of the USF Diabetes Center is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as meeting the national standards for Diabetes Self Management Training.
Adult Diabetes Education: Tampa
- Comprehensive diabetes self management 10 hour course, in divided appointments.
- Topics that are addressed in class style are: how to check your blood sugar (glucose) and what to do with those numbers; about meal planning and carbohydrate counting; about the importance of exercise; about why and how to take medications for diabetes and other related conditions; about how to manage stress and sick days; about how to check for other problems and complications and many more topics.
- Individual appointments for specific diabetes challenges or topics, such as insulin start or monitoring or any of the above topics.
- Teaching is done in discussion and lecture style, with time for questions, along with hands on practicing.
- Education manuals and handouts are provided.
Pediatric Diabetes Education: Tampa and Sarasota
- In Tampa, class sessions are 2.5 hours each (4 sessions) for family groups.
- In Sarasota, class sessions are 5 hours each (2 sessions) for family groups.
- In addition to the topics listed above, in these classes, school and camp concerns, growing up with diabetes and family issues are discussed.
- Individual appointments are available as well.
- Education is also provided during clinical visits with the pediatric endocrinologists.
- Pediatric patients and families have access to diabetes education computer games and newsletters.
- For Tampa classes, call the scheduling number above. For Sarasota, please call (727) 767-7098.
Diabetes Nutrition Education: Tampa
- Individual nutrition appointments for adults and children with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
- Small group classes are available that address the basics of nutrition for diabetes and pre-diabetes.
- Advanced nutrition concepts for pre multiple daily injection therapy or insulin pump preparation.
Gestational Diabetes Education: Tampa
- Education for women who develop diabetes during pregnancy is addressed by seeing a diabetes educator in an individual appointment within a few days of being referred by the physician or nurse practitioner.
- Topics covered are blood glucose monitoring and goals, as well as nutrition management. Long term health planning is also discussed.
- Other topics are addressed as needed.
Florida Camps for Children and Youth with Diabetes K-12
Children and adolescents with diabetes learn how to have fun and take care of diabetes. The website for further information is http://www.floridadiabetescamp.org.- Bring A Friend Weekend Grades K-3
- Pee-Wee Camp Ages 6-8
- Fun Sports Camp Ages 15-18
- Camp Winona Ages 9-11,12-14
- Family Weekend