Diabetes Education Programs

Sansum Clinic treats more adult patients with diabetes than any other healthcare provider in Santa Barbara - about 9,000 patients (45,000 visits) annually. Our five highly trained providers treat our most complicated diabetes patients at our specialized Endocrinology Department. Our Certified Diabetes Educators offer a diverse array of educational opportunities for people with diabetes. Sansum Clinic is a Recognized Diabetes Self-Management Training Program with the American Diabetes Association. We have been singled out as the best of California's participating clinics for our monitoring of diabetes patients through the use of blood tests. Our frequency in testing gives us an ongoing and accurate measure of how well a person's diabetes is under control and helps them to better manage their diabetes.

Sansum Clinic's comprehensive diabetes education program provides quality education to people with diabetes. The program gives you the tools and knowledge to manage diabetes. It is an excellent update for all people with diabetes, and a must for anyone newly diagnosed. Family members are encouraged to attend.  Classes are offered at a minimum cost and are open to the community with a referral from your doctor.  Diabetes Education includes:

Diabetes Basics - available in English and Spanish

This two-part program is an excellent update for all people with diabetes and a must for anyone newly diagnosed.  Class discusses who is at risk for diabetes, physiology of diabetes, what lab results mean, how to lower blood sugar, what happens when diabetes is out of control, benefits of exercise, how food affects blood sugar and health, how to use food labels, carbohydrate counting, eating well away from home and guidelines for alcoholic drinks.

Blood Sugar Control

Attend this program to learn how blood sugar monitoring helps you manage your diabetes and improve blood sugar.  You will learn to use your meter, when to test, your blood sugar goals, and what to do when blood sugar is too high or too low.  Please bring your blood sugar monitor to class.

Individual Education

Our team of diabetes educators is available to meet with you to:

• fine-tune your diabetes management skills
• use new strategies for preventing complications
• develop in-depth understanding of meal planning
• select healthy, enjoyable meals when dining out
• cope with and reduce stress, minimizing its effect on blood sugar levels
• incorporate preventive health care habits into your daily routine
• establish a personal exercise plan for superb blood sugar control

• feel secure and have fun, with good strategies for travel and parties

Nutrition Navigator

Our Registered Dietitian leads a monthly discussion for people interested in food, health & longevity.  Join this group to:

• Discuss a variety of popular nutrition topics
• Clarify confusion about food
• Learn ways to keep blood sugar, cholesterol and weight in a healthy range
• Meet others with an interest in eating for health and vitality

Free of charge and open to the community.  Click here for schedule and registration.

Insulin Users Peer Group

Do you use insulin to manage diabetes or want to know more about it? If yes, this monthly support group is for you! The group is facilitated by a Certified Diabetes Educator and individuals with diabetes. Various discussion topics include new technology for diabetes, exercise while using insulin, nutrition and coping strategies.

Insulin Users Peer Group is free of charge and open to the community.