A new diagnosis can change everything. For many individuals living with diabetes, managing daily blood sugar levels, understanding medications, making dietary adjustments, and preventing long-term complications can feel overwhelming. Without accessible education and support, navigating these changes can leave people feeling isolated at a time when guidance is most crucial.
That is why SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – St. Louis created its Diabetes Education Program, a high-impact, patient-centered resource made possible entirely through the support of benefactors of SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis. The program provides clear, compassionate education that helps participants build confidence and take control of their health.
Learning to thrive with diabetes
Sierra knows firsthand how transformational this diabetes education can be. Diagnosed with diabetes in 2013 during her sophomore year of college, she spent nearly a decade trying to manage the condition on her own.
When she moved to Missouri in 2022, she recognized it was time for a deeper understanding of her diagnosis — not just what diabetes is, but how to live with it in a way that supported her long-term health and goals.
Through the Diabetes Education Program, Sierra discovered a supportive, judgment-free environment where she could ask questions, discuss challenges, and learn practical tools to manage her condition.
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“I’m finally in the mindset to take care of myself. This class was the jump start I needed to be on the right path. I’m now knowledgeable and can make better choices that are safer and healthier for me.” — Sierra
The education team met her exactly where she was in her journey and helped her build confidence to adopt new habits and even overcome her fear of finger pricks. Today, Sierra has lowered her A1C and is preparing for her upcoming weight loss surgery — a milestone she credits, in part, to the clarity and encouragement she received in class.
A donor-funded path to better health
The Diabetes Education Program is offered at no cost to patients, thanks to generous support from our community. Because the Foundation funds 100% of the program, individuals who may otherwise lack access to specialized education receive the tools and personalized guidance they need to make meaningful lifestyle changes.
This commitment to accessible, proactive health education provides a lifeline to hundreds of people each year.
2025 impact, by the numbers:
- 639 visits
- 312 group classes
- 90% vision exams completed
- 78% dental exams completed
- Average 1.8% decrease in A1C
- Roughly 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year
Continuing a tradition of compassion
Each visit, class, and conversation within the Diabetes Education Program is a direct reflection of our community’s generosity. Your support fuels a program that not only teaches skills but also restores confidence, strengthens long-term health, and helps individuals like Sierra reclaim their well-being.
The impact is real — and it grows with every benefactor who chooses to stand alongside our patients. By supporting SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis, you help build a healthier future for our region, one patient at a time. Together, we are creating the kind of compassionate, accessible health education that changes lives.