Medical Services • Diabetes Services

Diabetes Services Offered

NCH is committed to ensuring the ongoing care and contact you may need to adopt a healthier daily lifestyle. You can participate in a variety of individual and group counseling, nutrition, and education programs as well as many other support services to learn how to manage your diabetes.

Individual Outpatient Services

Diabetes education is conducted during individual appointments in the outpatient clinic for persons with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and Impaired Glucose Tolerance. The education is facilitated by certified diabetes educators. Physician referrals are required.

All appointments and classes are held at 901 W. Kirchoff Rd, Arlington Heights, IL, on the campus of Northwest Community Hospital. For any questions, please call 847.618.4475.

• Medical Nutrition Therapy. Personalized counseling is conducted by a registered dietitian who works with you to establish an appropriate meal plan.
• Treating to Target with Insulin. In cooperation with your physician, certified diabetes educators (nurses and dietitians) will work with you to obtain good blood glucose control with minimal hypoglycemia.
• Glucose Monitoring. The principles of glucose monitoring and instruction on the use of glucose meters are presented.
• Medication Instruction. The proper use of oral medications, use of insulin pen devices and the drawing up and injecting of insulin is reviewed.
• Healthy Living Skills. Blood sugar can be controlled throughout life by learning helpful tips.
• Outpatient Services for Women with Gestational Diabetes. Sometimes during pregnancy gestational diabetes can occur. Proper diet and glucose monitoring are taught in order to protect the health of the mother and baby.
  • Glucose Meter Loan Program. Receive a glucose meter, startup supplies, and instructions for its use.

Group Classes

Certified Diabetes Educators start a program twice per month as an introduction for people recently diagnosed with diabetes management. The class meets 6 times (for a total of 11.5 hours) over the next six months. Current practices in personal meal planning, medication, glucose monitoring, exercise and day-to-day management skills are discussed. This program is recommended for people covered under Medicare. A physician’s order is required.

External Insulin Pump Program

Education and initiation of the external pump is done on an outpatient basis by working with the patient and his doctor to help build confidence with therapy. The external insulin pump helps normalize blood sugar and gives patients more lifestyle flexibility.

Support Groups

NCH offers support groups for people with diabetes and their significant others. Groups meet at 901 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. Please call 847.618.4475 for details.

• Adult Group (Daytime). A lunchtime group for persons with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The group meets the third Tuesday of the odd numbered months from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Bring your lunch. Beverages provided.
• Adult Group (Evening). For persons with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and their adult family members or significant other. The group meets the third Thursday of the odd-numbered months. 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
• Parents and Young Children (Infants through age 5). A group for parents with young children who have diabetes meets to discuss their special needs. Call 847.618.4475 for dates and times.

Treating Diabetes Through Medication, Proper Nutrition and Exercise

Did you know that a positive approach to developing and maintaining a healthy daily lifestyle is key to the best possible treatment for diabetes?  For this reason, diagnosing diabetes early is so important. It offers you a chance to begin practicing the care and treatments that can delay and even prevent future complications. For an overview fact sheet on Diabetes (Type 1, 2, and Gestational) click here.