BRIDGTON — Bridgton Hospital’s Diabetes Clinic will present its three-part diabetes self-management classes beginning Monday, Nov. 21.

The classes are designed to provide general information about diabetes and to help the patients manage their diabetes. The course will also introduce patients to a diabetes support system. Preregistration and pre-assessment is required before beginning the class.

Attendees will receive a “Your Diabetes Guidebook” upon signing up, in which they can read corresponding chapters prior to each class.

Part one: 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21. Linda Russell, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, will begin the first class by discussing meal plans and diabetes and will review carbohydrate counting. Her presentation will include cooking tips, menu planning, dining out guidelines, glucose monitoring and dietary management for glucose control. Russell will also review preconception care, pregnancy and gestational diabetes management.

Part two: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29. Karen Bogdon, occupational therapist, will discuss the importance of daily exercise and how it can help improve blood sugars, decrease weight and improve overall well-being. After, Elaine Drew, registered nurse and certified diabetes educator, will provide an overview of diabetes. This will include the disease process and treatment options, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and diabetic ketoacidosis (dangerously high blood sugar). The class will also include pharmacist Jen Cyr, who will discuss medications that can help control symptoms, including oral blood glucose lowering agents, insulin therapy, blood pressure, and cholesterol-lowering medications.

Part three: 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Nov. 30. Cyr will cover lab tests, complications, psychosocial adjustment, goal setting and problem solving, and preventing, detecting and treating acute complications such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Following this, Dr. Thomas Gordon, optometrist, will discuss eye care and diabetes, including cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

A dietary consultation is required, and should be done before the classes begin. Please contact 207-647-6062 to schedule an appointment for this consultation.

Participants are encouraged to bring a relative or friend with them.

All classes will be held in the large conference boardroom at Bridgton Hospital.

FMI, register: 207-647-6064.