PacMed's diabetes education classes empower patients with expert guidance and practical support

[4 min read]

In this article: 

• Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed) offers in-person classes to help patients manage diabetes confidently in their day-to-day lives.
• Because diabetes affects an estimated 12% of the U.S. population, education a critical component of management and care.
• Learn what you can expect from this two-class series, including foundational diabetes management skills and the powerful role nutrition plays in supporting blood sugar control. 

Managing diabetes means making thoughtful decisions every day—about food, activity, monitoring, and medications. For many patients, having the right education and support can make all the difference. Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed), which is part of the Providence family of organizations, is offering in-person diabetes education classes to help patients build confidence and practical skills for day-to-day diabetes management. 

Led by registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators, these classes are designed to meet patients where they are and provide tools they can use right away. 

Education that supports day-to-day diabetes management 

Diabetes is a common condition with long-term health implications. With an estimated 12% of the U.S. population living with diabetes, many individuals are managing the condition every day. Education plays a vital role in helping patients understand how their daily choices affect blood sugar and overall health. 

PacMed’s diabetes education program is built to support patients beyond routine appointments, offering structured, practical guidance focused on real-life decision-making. These in-person classes are open to patients with diabetes or prediabetes, as well as family members, friends, or caregivers who want to better support a loved one. 

As diabetes educator Christy Goff, CDCES, MS, RDN, CD explains, “They’re great for someone that’s newly diagnosed with type 2 or prediabetes. They’re also really good to return to after you’ve had diabetes for a while and just want that re-motivation—or maybe you didn’t have the capacity or learn certain things when you were first diagnosed.” 

What the series covers 

Each class series includes two two-hour sessions: 

Diabetes: The Real Deal 
This foundational class covers how diabetes affects the body, why medications are prescribed, how to monitor blood sugar, manage high and low blood sugars, and help prevent complications. 

The Power of Food 
This session focuses on nutrition as a cornerstone of diabetes management, including carbohydrate counting, food label reading, healthy food choices, and basic meal planning. 
Together, these classes provide a strong foundation—whether someone is newly diagnosed or looking to refresh their diabetes management skills.

The benefits continue beyond the classroom 

“The best part of the diabetes classes is that once you’ve connected with the registered dietitians at these classes, you’re welcome to make appointments with them afterward,” Goff says.  

2026 diabetes education class schedule 

All classes are held in person. 

• May 13 & 20 | 10 a.m.– noon | Beacon Hill 
• June 10 & 17 | 3 p.m.–5 | Canyon Park (Bothell) 
• September 16 & 23 | 10 a.m.– noon | Northgate 
• October 7 & 14 | 3 p.m.– 5 | Renton 
• November 4 & 11 | 3 p.m.–5 | Canyon Park (Bothell) 

How to sign up 

To register, patients can call 206-326-2440. Please note that registration closes one week before the first class of each series. Patients may also contact their doctor or dietitian through MyChart or visit Diabetes Care - Pacific Medical Centers for more information. 

Learn more find a PacMed physician or Advanced Practice Clinician (APC)

Like Providence Swedish, Pacific Medical Centers is part of the Providence family of organizations and offers a full range of primary and specialty care services. You can feel confident in your care team. We are committed to providing you with extraordinary care so you can achieve your best health. Visit our provider directory to find a PacMed physician or APC  near you. You can also call PacMed's New Patient Information Line at 1.888.4PACMED (1.888.472.2633).