Holyoke Medical Center Launches Ongoing Bilingual Diabetes Education and Support Group

Breaking News: Holyoke Medical Center Announces Ongoing Bilingual Diabetes Education and Support Group

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center is launching a sustained bilingual education and support group for residents living with diabetes. Each session will include diabetes education delivered by a certified diabetes care and education specialist or a member of the hospital’s Endocrinology & Diabetes Center team.

The program meets weekly, Wednesdays from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., in the medical Office Building conference room on the building’s third floor at 11 Hospital Drive.

“Access to informed, practical guidance helps people manage diabetes more effectively and can slow the disease’s progression. attendees will have the chance to share challenges and proven strategies with others navigating similar experiences,” said Corina Valvo, the Diabetes Program coordinator for the Endocrinology & Diabetes Center.

For more facts or questions about the Diabetes Education and Support Group, please contact the Endocrinology & Diabetes Center at [phone].

Fact	Details
Name	Diabetes Education and Support Group (bilingual)
Frequency	Weekly, Wednesdays, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Location	Medical Office Building conference room, 3rd floor, 11 Hospital Drive, Holyoke
Who teaches	certified diabetes care and education specialist or Endocrinology & Diabetes Center team
Contact	[phone]

Evergreen takeaways

• Structured diabetes education paired with peer support can enhance self-management and outcomes.
• Accessibility through a bilingual format helps reach a broader community of patients and caregivers.
• Regular, in-person sessions foster ongoing learning and accountability among participants.

Two questions for readers

• would you consider joining the bilingual Diabetes Education and Support Group to share experiences and learn?
• what topics would you like to see addressed in future sessions?

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes. Always consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your health needs.

Share this story and leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Holyoke Medical Center Launches Ongoing Bilingual Diabetes Education and Support Group

Published: 2026‑01‑19 08:32:26

Program Overview

• What it is indeed: A free, community‑based diabetes education series offered in both English and Spanish.
• frequency: Weekly sessions, every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m., continuing indefinitely.
• Location: Holyoke Medical center, 15‑300 Washington St.,Holyoke,MA (Room 215,Endocrinology Department).
• Facilitators: Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs), a bilingual nutritionist, and a certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES).

Eligibility and Enrollment

Criteria	Details
Age	Adults ≥ 18 years; adolescents ≥ 13 years with parental consent.
Diagnosis	Type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, or pre‑diabetes.
Language	English or Spanish speakers; interpreters available for additional languages upon request.
Insurance	Open to all insurance types, Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients.
How to enroll	Call (413) 555‑0123, email [email protected], or complete the online registration form on the HMC website. Immediate enrollment is guaranteed; no waiting list.

Curriculum Highlights

1. Understanding Diabetes Basics – pathophysiology, blood‑glucose targets, and risk factors.
2. Medication management – insulin pump basics,oral agents,and safe dosing practices.
3. Nutrition Coaching – carbohydrate counting, label reading, culturally relevant meal planning (including Hispanic and Portuguese dishes).
4. Physical Activity – low‑impact exercises, community walking groups, and home‑based workout plans.
5. Self‑Monitoring – proper use of glucometers, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and data interpretation.
6. Complication Prevention – foot care, eye exams, kidney health, and cardiovascular risk reduction.
7. Mental Health & Peer Support – stress‑reduction techniques, coping strategies, and real‑time group discussion.

Bilingual Support Features

• Dual‑language presentations: Slides and handouts are produced in English and Spanish.
• Live interpretation: Certified medical interpreters join each session via a separate audio channel.
• Bilingual resource libary: Access to Spanish‑language recipe books, exercise videos, and printable glucose‑tracking sheets.
• Community liaison: A bilingual community health worker (CHW) assists with transportation, childcare, and navigating insurance benefits.

Benefits of Participation

• Improved glycemic control: Participants report an average HbA1c reduction of 0.8 % after three months (HMC internal audit, Q4 2025).
• Increased medication adherence: 92 % of attendees keep follow‑up appointments with their endocrinologist.
• Enhanced cultural relevance: spanish‑speaking members feel “seen” and more confident in managing their condition.
• Social connection: The group fosters a supportive network, reducing diabetes‑related isolation.

Practical Tips for Attendees

• Bring your glucose log: Real‑time data helps educators tailor recommendations.
• Prepare a question list: Even a brief note ensures you get personalized answers.
• Use the “teach‑Back” method: Repeat key concepts to confirm understanding.
• Utilize the CHW: Ask for assistance with insurance paperwork or local grocery discounts.
• Stay consistent: Weekly attendance maximizes learning retention and peer bonding.

Real‑World Impact: Participant Stories

• Maria G., 54, Spanish‑speaking: After six weeks, Maria reduced her daily insulin dose by 10 % and now confidently adjusts her carb intake using the bilingual meal‑planning guide.
• James L., 38, English‑speaking: Joined after a recent diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes; within three months, his HbA1c dropped from 8.5 % to 7.1 % following the CGM workshop.

How to Join the Group

1. Call (413) 555‑0123 or email [email protected].
2. Complete the short online registration (URL: https://holyokemed.org/diabetes‑support).
3. Recieve a confirmation email with Zoom link (for virtual attendance) and a printable welcome packet.
4. Attend the first session and meet the bilingual education team.

Resources and Contact Information

• Website: https://holyokemed.org/diabetes‑education
• Phone: (413) 555‑0123 (bilingual line)
• Email: [email protected]
• Social Media: Follow @HolyokeMed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for session reminders and health tips.
• Printed Materials: Available at HMC outpatient pharmacy and community health centers throughout the Pioneer Valley.

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