With Franciscan, you don’t have to face diabetes alone

Outpatient program participants may choose between one-on-one consultations or group classes at one of four sites located throughout the South Sound. Our team of registered nurses (RNs) and registered dieticians (RDs) specialize in teaching people like you how to manage diabetes, and stay on the cutting edge of diabetes treatment and education.

Our program

• Individual consultation - Meet one-on-one with a diabetes educator who will address your personal needs and help you develop a custom nutritional plan and teach you how to monitor your blood glucose.
• Group classes - A variety of group classes are offered which meet the criteria for coverage by most insurance companies.
• Healthy Living With Diabetes – Designed for patients and their families, these classes cover meal planning, home blood sugar testing, diabetes medications, identifying and managing high and low blood sugar levels, diabetes care during illness, complications from diabetes including foot care, and much more. Includes individual assessment, group classes, and follow-up with a diabetes educator.

Franciscan Diabetes Services is located at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood, and Gig Harbor Medical Pavilion.

How Do I Get Started?
Show the Diabetes Education brochure (PDF) to your physician and ask him or her to make a referral. Once we hear from your physician, we will contact you to discuss your needs and program options.

Or you can call 253-426-6753 for more information about our programs, class schedules and locations, or to make an appointment with a diabetes educator.

Most insurance plans cover diabetes education, but you should check with your health plan to determine the extent of your coverage.

Recognized by the American Diabetes Association
Franciscan Diabetes Services received recognition by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in 1990, and has held that distinction longer than any other program in Pierce County. The ADA recognition process is voluntary, and provides formal acknowledgement that a diabetes education program meets the National Standards for Diabetes Patient Education, as developed and reviewed under the auspices of National Diabetes Advisory Board.