Barrie & Community Family Health Team

Diabetes Program

Who We Are

The Barrie & Community Family Health Team's Diabetes Program was initiated in April of 2008. Our goal is to improve health outcomes for individuals living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes by providing education that supports individual learning and self-management of this chronic disease.

The Diabetes Program is delivered and supported by a knowledgeable interdisciplinary team including Administrative Assistants, Diabetes Nurse Educators, Registered Dietitians and a Pharmacist. This comprehensive program is available to all Family Physicians within the Barrie & Community Family Health Team and it is a community collaborative program. Family Health Team patients are referred to the Diabetes Program by their Family Physician.

Diabetes Program Overview

The Diabetes Program provides patient-centred education and on-going management to individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Patients receive an initial assessment and are provided with follow-up appointments as indicated by their diabetes status.

Diabetes education focuses on:

Supporting healthy lifestyle changes for improved diabetes self-management
Understanding principles of healthy eating
Importance of blood glucose monitoring and targets for control
Role of oral medications and insulin

Patients may be referred to other interdisciplinary health care professionals (IHP's) within the Barrie & Community Family Health Team as needed. The Diabetes Program also functions as a link with Diabetes Specialists within the community. The diabetes team collaborates with community partners to strive to provide seamless diabetes care to patients. The Barrie & Community Family Health Team is also the registered ADP insulin pump program site for Barrie and surrounding communities.

Appointment Information

What you can expect at your appointment with your Diabetes Educator:

Your health and diet history will be collected and reviewed
Your weight and blood pressure will be taken
We will review your medications and discuss your blood glucose monitor
We will review and explain your recent diabetes blood work results
You will receive information about your chronic condition, appropriate use of your medications, learn more about healthy nutrition, and gain confidence in your ability to manage your diabetes