Living with diabetes is a challenge.  It requires learning how to take care of yourself and your diabetes .  Success is not only based on what you know, but also what you do with that knowledge.   The MCMH Diabetes Education Center offers classes  to help you learn self-care skills, independence  and lifestyle changes that can make a real difference in how you feel every day.  By working with your physician and our diabetes educators  you will learn what you
need to know to live well with your diabetes. You are welcome to bring a support person to class with you.   

Living smarter, feeling better 

Diabetes is a serious but controllable disease that affects each person differently.  The  members of the MCMH Diabetes Education Center staff are committed to following a team approach to help you live well with diabetes.

Our diabetes educators work with your physician to develop an individualized treatment plan for you.  We provide up-to-date knowledge that enables you to learn self-management skills.  Together we identify lifestyle changes that allow you to live a healthier life.

You can live an active, healthy life by avoiding or delaying the complications of uncontrolled diabetes.  Let us give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

It’s your life, live it well! 

The MCMH Diabetes Education Center has demonstrated it provides high-quality self-management education services to the diabetes community.  This level of quality has earned the MCMH Diabetes Center the Certificate of Education Recognition by the American Diabetes Association.  Applications receive a rigorous and thorough review.  ADA maintains a nationwide pool of health professional peer reviewers representing a variety of disciplines who are experts in the field of diabetes.

Assuring high-quality education to help develop and improve patient self-care skills essential to diabetes management is one of the primary goals of the Education Recognition program. 

Individualized Sessions are Available For Your Needs…

Individualized sessions can be conducted, as needed, on meal planning, blood  glucose monitoring, medications and/or insulin  administration.  Call for an appointment.

To enroll,  or for more information  on costs and dates, please call  (712) 623–7201 

Class size is limited. All classes are held at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital.

Diabetes Center Medical Director:

Michael Mahoney, M.D.  Board–Certified  Internal  Medicine Physician.   Dr. Mahoney has experience in diabetes research and is skilled in medical  management of diabetes.

Diabetes Center Educators:

Paula Odefey, RN, BS, CDE(Certified Diabetes Educator) Paula has extensive education in diabetes  management and years of experience providing education and inspiration for patients with diabetes.

Marsha Bierbaum, RN Marsha is an experienced clinical nurse specializing in diabetes case management.

Sarah Mabary, LD (Licensed Dietitian) Sarah has many hours of education in diabetes  medical nutritional therapy.  She is experienced in providing workable dietary management skills to persons  with diabetes. 

Barbara Fuller, MA, RD, LD (Registered and Licensed Dietitian) Barbara holds a masters degree in Community Health Education and specializes in medical nutrition therapy at  Montgomery County Memorial Hospital.