When it comes to health care, a supportive environment may make all the difference in achieving success! At Southside Medical Center, we proudly offer weight & diabetes self-management classes to provide you with the support and resources you need. These classes are free for you and your family and will give you the information you need to stay healthier and to navigate some of the more complex aspects of diabetes and weight management. Discover the benefits of these classes with us in Atlanta, GA, and contact us to learn more!
Why Diabetes and Weight Management Matter
Learning how to manage your health is one of the best steps you can take for yourself. Understanding how your body responds to food, activity, and medication helps you make choices that support your long-term health. Through weight and diabetes management classes, you can gain the confidence to take charge of your daily routines and reduce your risk of complications. You can take meaningful steps toward a more balanced, independent, and healthier life.
What Are Diabetes Self-Management Classes?
Diabetes is a common condition related to the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. While this is a very common condition, there is no cure. However, it is treatable and manageable.
Group Diabetes Education Classes
Our diabetes self-management classes exist to help you explore your options to best manage your condition. Common management techniques for diabetes include:
- Balanced diet
- Checking all nutrition labels
- Drinking plenty of water
- Eating plenty of fiber
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting sugar intake
- Regularly checking blood sugar
It is important to keep in mind that the management techniques will vary for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. While our diabetes self-management classes can help you in a broad sense, it is also important to regularly visit your primary care provider.
The Basics About Diabetes
Diabetes happens when your body has trouble using or making insulin, a hormone that helps move sugar from the bloodstream into your cells for energy. When insulin does not work properly or there is not enough of it, blood sugar levels rise, which can lead to serious health problems if left unchecked.
Type 1 diabetes usually develops when the immune system attacks the cells that make insulin, while Type 2 diabetes happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not make enough of it. Gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy and usually goes away after birth, though it can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.
What You Will Learn In Our Diabetes Education Classes
Understanding Complications and How to Avoid Them
Our classes give you the tools to lower your risk of diabetic complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, vision changes, and heart problems. You will learn how keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol within healthy ranges can protect your organs and overall well-being. Education is at the heart of diabetic management, and knowing what signs to look for and when to talk with your healthcare team helps you stay ahead of potential problems.
Physical Activity and Movement
Exercise can help your body use insulin more effectively, which makes it easier to control blood sugar levels. In our sessions, we talk about realistic ways to include movement in your day, from walking or swimming to light strength training. We help you find activities that fit your lifestyle and energy level and help you find ways to stay consistent. Learning how to manage diabetes with regular physical activity also supports weight control and improves mood and circulation.
How to Make Smart Nutrition Choices
Food choices affect your blood sugar more than almost anything else. During our diabetes management classes, you’ll learn how to read nutrition labels, choose balanced meals, and use portion control to keep glucose levels steady. We also cover grocery shopping tips and simple swaps to make your favorite meals healthier. Our “Rethink Your Drink” segment teaches you how beverages like soda, juice, and coffee drinks can impact blood sugar and what to choose instead.
Goal Setting and Care Planning
Success with diabetes management often comes from setting clear, achievable goals. We guide you through creating a care plan that matches your lifestyle, schedule, and preferences. You’ll learn how to break larger health goals into smaller steps so progress feels more manageable.
Sick-Day Strategies
Feeling sick or run down can make it harder to keep blood sugar steady and stick to your healthy lifestyle choices. We will explain the steps you can take on the days when you’re unwell, such as monitoring more frequently and adjusting your food or medication as recommended by your doctor. You’ll also learn how to recognize warning signs that mean it’s time to seek medical help.
Holiday and Everyday Meal Planning
Special occasions don’t have to derail your health goals. We teach you how to plan delicious meals that fit your preferences while still supporting stable blood sugar levels. You’ll also learn ways to prepare diabetic-friendly desserts and modify traditional recipes so you can enjoy holidays without as many restrictions.
Stress and Support Systems
Living with diabetes can feel overwhelming at times, so emotional well-being is an important part of your care. We discuss how stress can affect blood sugar and will teach you coping skills that help you stay balanced. It is important to build a strong support system with family, friends, and healthcare professionals to help you stay on track even when you find it difficult on your own.
Diabetes Tools and Support Beyond the Classroom
Learning doesn’t stop when class ends. We connect you with tools that make it easier to track your progress and stay consistent, such as meal planning guides, glucose monitoring tips, and goal-setting worksheets. Ongoing support from our educators and healthcare staff helps you apply what you learn in daily life. We are a great resource for connecting you to other local resources and community programs that can help.
What Are Weight Management Classes?
Weight management classes help provide you with the resources and support you need on your weight loss journey. It is important to pursue a healthy lifestyle, and weight loss is often an added benefit. Common management techniques for weight management include:
- Choosing a balanced diet
- Drinking plenty of water
- Exercising regularly
- Getting enough sleep
- Refraining from drinking alcohol or smoking
Meeting with a nutritional specialist can help take your weight management journey to the next level, but our weight management class is an added layer of support.
Understanding Weight Management
Maintaining your weight is often much more than simply counting calories or increasing activity, which is why it can be so difficult for so many people. Factors like hormones, metabolism, genetics, sleep, and stress all influence how your body stores and burns fat.
If you are struggling with medical conditions like thyroid issues or diabetes, it can be even more challenging. We also have many patients who struggle with emotional eating, time constraints, and access to nutritious foods that affect their ability to maintain progress. Learning more through classes can give you structure and accountability, plus strategies that will work in your situation.
What You Will Learn In Our Weight Management Classes
Nutrition Foundations
Food choices can feel confusing, especially with so many mixed messages about what’s “healthy.” In our weight management classes, you’ll gain clarity on how to balance nutrients and understand what’s really in the food you eat. Label reading becomes second nature once you know what to look for, and portion control starts to feel intuitive rather than restrictive. You’ll also pick up smart strategies for eating out without feeling like you are giving up your favorite meals.
Meal Planning for Success
Our approach to meal planning focuses on realistic, affordable foods that fit your lifestyle. Learning how to plan a week’s worth of balanced meals helps you avoid last-minute takeout and keeps you feeling satisfied throughout the day. You’ll also discover simple prep ideas that save time and make it easier to stick with your nutrition goals.
Exercise for Every Body
Everyone starts somewhere, and small amounts of movement can make a big difference. In our weight management classes, you’ll explore activities that suit your fitness level and daily routine, anything from walking plans and chair exercises to gentle resistance training. The goal is to build strength, improve energy, and find forms of movement you actually enjoy doing.
Mindful Eating & Emotional Triggers
Food often carries emotions, memories, and comfort, which can make it tough to separate hunger from habit. Learning to eat mindfully helps you recognize when you’re truly hungry and when stress or boredom is influencing your choices. We can help uncover patterns you may not have noticed before, plus tools to help you slow down, enjoy your meals, and stay in control.
Setting Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals means identifying what’s doable now, tracking your results, and celebrating each step forward. You’ll learn how to move past setbacks without losing momentum and how to adjust your approach when things plateau. Small wins add up quickly when you build habits that fit your life.
Sleep, Hydration, & Habits
Rest, water, and daily routines influence weight management just as much as diet and exercise. A lack of sleep can throw hunger hormones off balance and make cravings harder to manage. Drinking enough water supports metabolism and reduces fatigue, while steady daily habits keep your progress on track.
Long-Term Maintenance
Reaching your goal is an accomplishment, but learning how to maintain it is just as important. Life doesn’t stop bringing challenges, so long-term strategies help keep you flexible while staying on track. We will help you navigate challenging times like holidays, busy schedules, illness, and setbacks while keeping your health a priority.
How Our Free Classes Empower Underserved Communities
Southside Medical Center offers free classes to help individuals in underserved communities gain knowledge, confidence, and practical skills for better daily health. Group sessions encourage connection and mutual support and create a space where learning is approachable and inclusive. Our discussions focus on culturally relevant meals, family health, and strategies that fit real-life circumstances.
What to Expect During Your Class
Each class brings education to life through interaction and hands-on learning. We lead small group discussions that encourage questions and participation. Participants receive free materials to continue learning between sessions, and no prior knowledge or experience is required. We want diabetes and weight management to be engaging, supportive, and empowering for everyone who attends.
Could I Benefit from a Class?
Our weight & diabetes self-management classes could benefit most people seeking assistance with managing their health. These classes could help you better understand your own wellness and how to achieve a more balanced, healthy lifestyle.
It is important to keep in mind that these classes should not replace your regular visits with your primary care provider or with other healthcare specialists. These classes should help you look at your condition and goals in a new way, and they provide beneficial resources and concepts as a starting point to rejuvenate your health. Our team in Atlanta can help you with any questions you may have about these classes and their benefits.
FAQs About Our Weight and Diabetes Self-Management Classes
Do I Need a Doctor’s Referral?
Anyone interested in learning about diabetes or weight control is welcome to attend. A doctor’s referral is not required, although some patients choose to let their healthcare provider know they are participating so progress can be shared and supported during medical visits. The classes are open to all adults who want to make positive changes for their health.
How Long Does the Program Last?
Programs are offered in a series of interactive sessions spread out over several months. Each session focuses on a different topic, such as nutrition, exercise, and goal setting. We design our classes to fit most busy schedules.
Can Family Members Attend?
Family members and caregivers are encouraged to join. Having support at home often helps participants stay motivated and apply what they’ve learned. Loved ones also benefit from learning about nutrition, meal planning, and healthy habits that can improve the well-being of the entire household.
What If I Can’t Attend Every Session?
Life can get busy, and missing a class doesn’t mean you are left behind. We can provide materials from previous sessions and help you catch up on key information. Some programs also repeat throughout the year, so you may have another opportunity to attend missed topics.
Who Teaches the Classes?
Classes are taught by experienced health educators who specialize in diabetes and weight management. Our instructors create a welcoming environment that encourages discussion and makes complex topics easy to understand.
About Us
Southside Medical Center has served Atlanta communities since 1967, beginning as the Atlanta Southside Comprehensive Health Center. We are recognized nationally for excellence in primary care to underserved populations, and we continue to expand our reach with multiple locations throughout Metro Atlanta, including Norcross, Decatur, Riverdale, and Stone Mountain. Our mission is to provide accessible, compassionate care that improves health and quality of life for every patient. Our core values are Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Service. At Southside Medical Center, we live by our motto: SMC C.A.R.E.S.
Schedule Your Consultation!
Interested in learning how to best take control of your own life and wellness? Contact us today at Southside Medical Center and schedule your consultation to learn more about our weight & diabetes self-management classes. Our dedicated professionals proudly serve you from Atlanta, Georgia. We are committed to helping you discover the best methods for you to live a healthy lifestyle
