Special Programs

Nutrition Education

The Nutrition Education Program at People's Community Clinic is dedicated to working intensively with patients as they develop the confidence to make long-lasting lifestyle changes that will improve their health.

Most of the patients participating in the Nutrition Education Program suffer from diabetes, or are at risk of developing diabetes. The Clinic diagnoses approximately 100 new cases of diabetes annually. PCC’s Nutrition Education Program enables patients and their families to better manage their diabetes and other conditions that are affected by nutrition, thus forestalling the devastating medical complications that can occur. The program provides counseling and educational services and low-cost equipment and medications so that patients can monitor their conditions. The Diabetes and Nutrition Education team empowers patients to actively participate in their treatment and make relevant, achievable changes for health.

PCC’s nutritionist works closely with the Clinic’s medical staff to provide nutrition education and one-on-one consultations for patients. Each consultation incorporates visuals, food models, easy-to-understand handouts, and healthy low-cost recipes to help patients gain confidence and develop their self-management skills. Subsequently patients can reduce complications and enjoy better health outcomes.

The Nutrition Education Program focuses on initiatives that educate and motivate patients to make behavioral changes. In September 2010, PCC and the University of Texas at Austin’s Family Wellness Center launched “Diabetes United”, a unique new initiative providing weekly diabetes group sessions for patients of both facilities. The series lasts ten weeks and is provided in both English and Spanish. It aims to foster a sense of support among fellow patients while providing education and opportunities to connect with a variety of members of the healthcare team. The team is made up of physicians, nurses, nutritionists, social workers, pharmacists, and professors. Sessions involve hands-on activities and address different topics related to diabetes. Topics include understanding the disease, nutrition, how to communicate with a health care provider, physical activity, medications, stress management, and success stories. Each participant is offered unlimited follow-up consultations with the nutritionist to further discuss any areas of interest or concern.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a condition in which women without previously diagnosed diabetes exhibit high blood glucose levels during pregnancy (especially during third trimester of pregnancy). Gestational Diabetes classes and counseling are available weekly for newly diagnosed GDM patients. Untreated or poorly treated GDM results in higher risk of morbidity and mortality for both mother and infant. Women who develop GDM are at 40-60% risk for later developing Type 2 diabetes, but following an appropriate meal plan may prevent or delay this.

Another key component of the Nutrition Education Program is breastfeeding counseling. Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for a growing baby, and it is proven to have numerous health advantages for mother and child. PCC's Breastfeeding Counselor sees patients both during pregnancy and after delivery. She answers questions, promotes breastfeeding, and assists women in identifying and overcoming potential barriers to breastfeeding. The positive impact of the Clinic’s breastfeeding counselor in providing education and assistance to expectant and new mothers is reflected in breastfeeding rates trending upward.  Since the start of the lactation program, the number of mothers who have chosen to continue breastfeeding at 6 months after delivery has increased substantially from 40.5% to 48%.