Patients and families can become overwhelmed with diabetes management, putting them at risk for depression, anxiety and other challenges. Fortunately, such challenges can be prevented or managed with routine behavioral health and wellness services.
The Kovler Diabetes Center offers individuals and families the support they need to help them manage not only their diabetes, but also the challenges to family life and emotional health that often accompany chronic illness. Our experts work with patients and families to develop a comprehensive care program that integrates diabetes management into everyday life.
Each patient’s care team includes the patient’s loved ones as well as doctors, nurses, educators, psychologists and marriage and family therapists. Together, the care team works to help the patient’s mind, body and relationships work in harmony. This reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications and enhances patient quality of life.
We offer classes and free programs, on and off-campus, to help you lead a healthy, happy life.
Diabetes Education Classes
For now, due to COVID-19, we are not offering diabetes classes. Please talk to your healthcare provider to receive a referral for a one-on-one virtual visit with an educator.
In the meantime, here are some additional education links that you can use until the classes resume.
Not sure when you should be getting diabetes education?
View our algorithm of care, which shows when we recommend patients meet with a diabetes educator.
View the types of topics that educators can cover with you at each meeting.
Diabetes Resources
The library is designed to provide our patients with any additional resources they need beyond the clinic. Although designed with Kovler Diabetes Center patients in mind, the library is open to all University of Chicago Medicine patients. Physicians and staff are also welcomed.
Technological Resources
- A state-of-the-art touchscreen monitor allows visitors to explore the wide range of resources available through the Kovler website
- Computer station with access to websites and certified diabetes educator approved tutorials
- Printer access for patients who may not have internet access at home, so they may print out any relevant materials to take with them
- A large plasma screen in the space can display educational videos, teleconference with professionals, or be used as an aid for diabetes education classes
- Plasma screens in diabetes education rooms can display lab results, show patient tutorials and more
Other Resources
- On-site resource team member available to direct patients to resources tailored to their needs
- Extensive collection of booklets, heath guides and cookbooks on a wide variety of topics including carb counting, foot care, and diabetes-friendly vegetarian cooking
- A selection of diabetes books and activities for kids
- Constructive activities to engage patients both before and after appointments
- Opportunity to obtain valuable information for research and improvement measures
Hours of Operation
The library is staffed by our friendly Resource Team during the following times:
- Monday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Tuesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Wednesday 9 a.m. –5 p.m.
- Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Videos for visual learners to better understand diabetes care
- Lilly Diabetes has videos about medications and basics about diabetes.
- Tandem offers a free webinar on carbohydrate counting. Although on Tandem’s website, the information is not specific to the Tandem pump.
- American Diabetes Association Youtube page has videos on being safe at school, healthy eating and recipes and diabetes basics in English and Spanish.
Interactive websites to provide you with more information about diabetes:
- American Diabetes Association provides lots of good information on medication management, fitness, nutrition, and the diabetes community.
- Diabetes Meal Guide walks through what to look at when meal planning for diabetes (label reading, serving size, CHO counting).
The American Diabetes Association
- Sex & Pregnancy
- Growing Up
- Driving
- Surviving Sick Days
- Dating & Diabetes
- Alcohol, Tobacco & Illegal drugs
- Just for Teens
- On the Go
- Fact sheet for a roommate
- Information for a college roommate
- Tips for college students
- Ask the diabetes team
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
We are Diabetes
T1 everyday magic
- FAQs for newly diagnosed patients
- Going back to school after a Type 1 diagnosis
- Tips for handling sports and activities
Diabetes UK
Blogs
- Teens with Type 1 diabetes
- Diabetes self-management
- Scott’s diabetes
- Diabetes stops here
- Diabetes mine
- A sweet life
- Diabetesaliciousness
- D-mom
- Diabetes daily
- Diabetes stories
- Diabetes sisters
- Our diabetic life
- College diabetes network blog
- Insulin nation
- Diatribe resources
- Parenting your teen with Type 1 diabetes
- Diabetes app information
- Data downloading software for diabetes devices
- Diabetes doing things (podcast)
- Go Noodle Video Library (Go Noodle)
- CATCH At Home: Physical Activity (CATCH)
- Playworks At Home: Digital and Printable Resources (Playworks)
- Tools for Creating an Active Home (OPEN)
- Free Resources for Staying Active at Home (Active Schools)
- Mindfulness and Yoga Programs and Videos (Alo Gives)
- Self-Care for Children, Families and Educators (Breathe for Change)
- Yoga Ed Video Library (Yoga Ed)
- Videos with tips to help you get active (Cooper Institute)
- Inclusive videos that people with disabilities can do at home (National Center for Health, Physical Activity and Disability)
- Your Y at Home resources (YMCA)
- 25 Ways to Get Moving at Home (American Heart Association)
- curriculum that kids and adults can use to get active at home (Fit Kids)
- Multi-Game Fitness Card Deck (SHAPE America)
- 25 minute fun workout (Fitness Blender)
Type 1 Diabetes Self Care Manual (PDF)
All about Type 1 Diabetes for Kids
Multiple videos for kids about T1D, T2D, how your body gets energy, and how insulin is made
Video on Type 1 diabetes called Kara and the Dire Beastie to help kids learn about diabetes through a cartoon character
Weekly Bg insulin food log
Diabetes Care at UChicago Medicine
Request an Appointment
You can also make an appointment with our providers by:
– Scheduling a virtual video visit to see a provider from the comfort of your home
– Requesting an online second opinion from our specialists
To speak to someone directly, please call 1-888-824-0200. If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
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