Diabetes Services

Frye Wellness and Education Center

256-A 10th Ave. NE

Hickory, NC 28601

(828) 322-6699

The Center for Diabetes Self-Management Care at Frye Regional Medical Center is dedicated to improving the education and care of individuals living with diabetes, and is recognized by the American Diabetes Association.

Are Services Covered by Insurance?

Insurance companies may pay for diabetes self-management education. We encourage our patients to check with their insurance providers to determine benefits allowed for diabetes education.  According to House Bill 5, insurance companies should cover these services for residents of North Carolina. The exception would be if the company you work for is self-insured.

Who Makes a Referral?

A physician’s referral is required for all patients and needed for insurance reimbursement.

Educational Opportunities

Individual Assessment

Each patient receives a one-on-one individual assessment from either a registered nurse or a registered dietitian to determine an education plan.

Based on the education plan, the patient is referred to the basic skills Class, a Comprehensive Class, or an Individual Class.

Basic Skills Class

This class is held on Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is taught by a nurse and a dietitian. This class covers only the very basics managing diabetes.

Comprehensive Class

This class is held the first three Thursdays of each month from 6-9 p.m. It incorporates the interdisciplinary approach to teaching diabetes management. Instructors include a registered nurse, registered dieitian, exercise physiologist, pharmacist, and a behaviorist.

Individual Classes

These classes are available for patients with special needs that make learning in a classroom situation challenging or when one-on-one instruction is necessary.

Follow-up Sessions

After completing class, participants are scheduled for a follow-up visit to discuss their progress and address any problems they may have encountered.

Other Services

Beginning Insulin Training

Includes education and training in insulin administration, monitoring, controlling low blood sugars, sharps disposal, and meal scheduling.

Diabetes in Pregnancy

For those who develop diabetes while pregnant, education includes meal planning, blood sugar and ketone monitoring for the care of the baby. Pre-pregnancy counseling is also available.