How to Use This Directory

This directory is intended to help you locate resources for diabetes education in your area. The directory lists places where you can go to learn about diabetes or to obtain support for managing diabetes. The directory offers information about different services, including counseling, group educational programs, screening, support groups, and bilingual services.

The services available in each New Mexico County are described in the County Listings of Diabetes Education Services section. If you do not find the services you need listed for your county, check the listings for nearby counties. Additional diabetes education programs developed specifically for Native Americans are found in the section Diabetes Education Services for Native Americans. You will find information in both sections about:

• Educational programs for adults and children
• Support groups
• Counseling services
• Pregnancy programs
• Educational programs available in Spanish
• Screening services
• Home health services

• Hospital in-patient counseling
• Physicians (education provided by a doctor during an office visit)

All the health professionals in this directory can help you learn how to manage diabetes to stay healthy. It may be useful to know that:

• Certified Diabetes Educators have special training and experience in all areas of diabetes management.
• Dietitians and nutritionists can help you with special diets and planning physical activity.
• Nurses can teach you about medication, lifestyle, keeping your feet healthy, and other aspects of care.
• Your doctor is an important partner helping you manage your diabetes and staying well.

Diabetes support groups are sometimes led by a health professional and sometimes are simply a group of people with diabetes who get together to share information, tips, and friendship. Support groups are a wonderful Opportunity to learn how others cope with diabetes, to hear about resources and events related to diabetes in your community, and to share the challenges and successes of living with diabetes. Support groups are usually free and open to all interested persons, including family members.

If a support group exists in your community, consider taking advantage of it! If there is no support group in your community, consider starting one! The American Diabetes Association (ADA) offers a one-day training program on how to lead a support group. For information, call the ADA office in Albuquerque, 266-5716 or 1-800-342-2383.

D.l.A.L. is the American Diabetes Association's information and referral program for people with diabetes, their families, medical professionals and the general public.

D.l.A.L. links callers with trained personnel who offer information on healthful cooking, the latest in diabetes research, and support groups, and who make referrals to medical professionals and diabetes education programs.