Diabetes Services
The Diabetes Program focuses on providing comprehensive team based services for diabetic patients and their families, along with a strong prevention component for those at risk for developing diabetes. We know that good diabetes control will lower the chances of developing complications such as blindness, amputation, kidney failure and heart attack. We make the most of teachable moments, and are willing to meet patients where they are at in their understanding of proper diabetes management. Program services include:

• Lay Health Educators provide one-on-one educational sessions in the clinic or at the convenience of a patient’s home.
• Assistance with provider-patient communication
• Offer the following classes: Meter Orientation, Diabetes Basics, Diabetes Nutrition, and Cholesterol classes
• Cook County Hospital’s Neighborhoods program’s benefits are available on site. Diabetics can get their CCH medication & supplies directly to Lawndale.
• The new Precision-Xtra blood sugar monitor is now available to those who attend meter orientation classes.
  

Staff is passionate and very creative in the area of education to combat the effects of long-term complication from uncontrolled diabetes. Healthy lifestyle changes are strongly emphasized in getting blood sugar levels, blood pressure numbers, and cholesterol levels under control. Blood sugar monitor assist is available with scheduled appointment.

Outreach Services
Our diabetes team also has a strong emphasis on outreach. Health fairs are a big component of summer activities providing education in the area of healthy lifestyle living. Program services include:

• Free risk assessments, blood pressure, blood sugar, weighing and BMI screenings
• Health education about diabetes and diabetes prevention and intervention to improve the health of a community “at-risk”
• Most outreach activities are geared to network with local churches, and bless the community. Lawndale currently networking with Lawndale Health Promotion Project, American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society.