VMG's Diabetes Services

Happy spring (finally!)!

Are you taking advantage of these VMG services to help you manage your diabetes? Confused about what these mean? We offer: 

Endocrinology:

To help you manage your diabetes, analyze your blood sugar levels and develop a regimen of lifestyle changes and medicines which are right for you.

Diabetes Education in an Individual or Group Setting:

To help you understand your diabetes and your treatment plan, including help with blood sugar monitoring, medications, insulin, and more. Focused on practical and personalized goal setting.

Nutrition Therapy:

One-on-one education, support, and goal setting. Incorporating all your medical and lifestyle needs into a practical and personalized plan.

Support Groups: 

We offer free support groups for both diabetes and weight loss, led by our diabetes educators and nutritionists! These are a great opportunity to connect with others in a fun, informal setting. These vary by center - check HERE for current dates/times. 

We also recommend taking advantage of these VMG services: 

Eye Care

Comprehensive eye examinations

Foot Care

Diabetes foot care from a podiatrist

Behavioral Health

Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and therapists to help you navigate the social and emotional stressors of managing diabetes

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists to help you prepare for increasing your physical activity and establishing a program of exercise for you to complete independently 

Questions or feedback - our contact information is listed in the "meet our educators" tab - please let us know how we can help you!

National Nutrition Month: Wrap-Up

Thanks to all who participated in our National Nutrition Month activities! We had four prize winners in all four centers, and 4 UMass students who volunteered their time to staff our tables and offer healthy creative food samples and recipes. It was a great month!

Before we get too far away from March I wanted to share some info about one more awesome phytochemical with you - LUTEIN!

Lutein is a type of phytochemical called a carotenoid. It concentrates in the macula of the eye, and research shows it can actually prevent or slow macular degeneration! Macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. 

Lutein's antioxidant power can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. 

Fill up on these (mostly green leafy) vegetables to get your lutein and protect your eyes: 

collard greens
kale
spinach
broccoli
Brussels sprouts
lettuces
artichokes

For more information, recipes, and more visit: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/