The Swedish Diabetes Education Center offers a variety of classes in Seattle, Edmonds and Issaquah. All classes are taught in English; interpreters are available for individual sessions. See the 2013 Seattle and Issaquah class schedule. See the 2013 Edmonds class schedule.
New: 2013 Seattle and Issaquah class schedule.
An experienced teaching team
All members of the teaching staff at the Swedish Diabetes Education Center are certified diabetes educators with more than 10 years of experience as a nurse or dietitian.
Register for a class
Preregistration is required for all classes. To register or to arrange for a medical interpreter, call 206-215-2440. Class dates and times will be confirmed when you register. The center requires a referral from your physician that includes clinical information about your diabetes. Your insurance company may also require a referral from your primary care provider before you register. Check with your insurance provider. Referrals should be faxed to 206-215-2457.
Class locations
First Hill Campus
801 Broadway, Suite 611
Seattle, WA 98122
Issaquah Campus
751 N.E. Blakely Dr.
Issaquah, WA 98029
Edmonds Campus
21601 76th Ave. W.
Edmonds, WA 98026
Class descriptions
Diabetes education series
This series of three classes provides an introduction to diabetes self-management. At each class in the series, experience in blood-glucose pattern identification is practiced and self-management goals are identified.
First Steps
(3½ hours – offered three times a month)
Participants learn the physiology of diabetes and how to do blood-glucose monitoring using their own meter or a provided meter. Participants also learn the basic principles of nutrition, including how food affects blood glucose, carbohydrate management, portion control and other meal-planning strategies.
Location: First Hill and Eastside
Second Steps
(3½ hours – offered three times a month)
This class builds on the foundation provided in First Steps and includes discussion of medications, hypoglycemia, sick-day management, carbohydrate counting and the role of activity in blood-glucose management. Prerequisite: Completion of First Steps or recommendation from your certified diabetes educator.
Location: First Hill and Issaquah
Third Steps
(3½ hours – offered three times a month)
This class discusses portion control, eating out and principles of heart-healthy meal planning. An endocrinologist presents strategies for staying healthy and preventing complications. Prerequisite: Completion of Second Steps.
Location: First Hill and Issaquah
Support Group
The Swedish Diabetes Education Center serves as a meeting place for a volunteer-led support group. The group meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 a.m. Please feel free to drop in. Call 206-215-2440 for more information.
Location: First Hill
Gestational Diabetes Class
(two hours – offered twice a week)
This class teaches women with gestational diabetes how to manage their blood glucose during pregnancy. Participants learn about the physiology of gestational diabetes and the basic principles of nutrition and are taught how to do blood-glucose monitoring using a provided meter.
Location: First Hill
Gestational Diabetes Follow-Up
(one hour – offered twice a week)
This class evaluates progress toward blood-glucose control with the pregnant mother. Prerequisite: Completion of Gestational Diabetes class.
Location: First Hill
Insulin Start
(one hour – available by appointment)
This class teaches insulin-injection techniques, how insulin works and how hypoglycemia is recognized and treated. Prerequisite: Physician orders and monitoring
Introduction to Insulin Pumps
(scheduled as requested)
This one-hour appointment with a registered nurse introduces the patient to the features of an insulin pump. Information and materials are provided for the patient who is deciding whether insulin-pump therapy is right for them. Prerequisite: Recent records of frequent blood-glucose monitoring and understanding of basic principles of diabetes self-management.
Location: First Hill
Insulin Pump Start
(three hours on two consecutive days – available by appointment)
This series of classes teaches patients how to intensively manage their diabetes using insulin-pump therapy. Prerequisite: An assessment appointment with a registered nurse; a letter of medical necessity from an endocrinologist; authorization from the insurance company for a pump; supplies and training; and demonstrated understanding of carbohydrate counting and blood-glucose monitoring.
Location: First Hill
Introduction to Byetta (Exenatide) and Symlin (Pramlintide)
(by appointment only)
In addition to learning about Byetta and Symlin, participants will learn about injection technique using a pen, timing of administration relative to meals, and expectations regarding changes in appetite and weight loss. The signs, symptoms and interventions for hypoglycemia will also be discussed. Prerequisite: Physician prescription for medication and a physician referral.
Pre-Diabetes Class
(two hours – offered twice a month)
This class is taught by a registered dietician. It covers topics related to lifestyle modifications which may prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes. Nutrition and physical activity recommendations are discussed. Note: This class may or may not be covered by your insurance plan; check with your carrier.
Location: First Hill and Edmonds
Introduction to Byette (Exenatide) and Symlin (Pramlintide)
(by appointment only)
In addition to learning about Byetta and Symlin, participants will learn about injection technique using a pen, timing of administration relative to meals, and expectations regarding changes in appetite and weight loss. The signs, symptoms and interventions for hypoglycemia will also be discussed. Prerequisite: Physician prescription for medication and a physician referral.
Assessment of Diabetes Control - For Insulin Pump Users
(by appointment only)
During this individual appointment, a certified diabetes educator will evaluate the participant's current pump practices and rates. Updates on the latest insulin pump advancements will be provided. This assessment is suggested at least annually for all pump wearers and any other time when the achievement of improved blood glucose is desired.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (Sensor)
(scheduled as requested)
This one-hour appointment with a registered nurse teaches patients how to intensively manage their diabetes using the Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Sensor. Information and materials are provided.
Location: First Hill
Medical Nutrition Therapy
(by appointment only)
Patients who require additional nutrition education may be eligible for medical nutrition therapy after completing the Steps classes. Medical nutrition therapy is also available for other nutritional needs.
Location: First Hill
