Westerly — Westerly Hospital will offer a five-session diabetes education program from Oct. 8 through Nov 12.

The goal of the program is to help patients gain practical knowledge and skills needed to manage diabetes successfully, the hospital said in a news release.

Classes will cover a wide range of topics including coping strategies, basic nutrition, monitoring glucose levels, medications and managing stress.

All classes will be led by a team of physicians, dieticians, nurses, Westerly Hospital pharmacists who are all certified diabetes outpatient educators, as well as a psychologist.

Westerly Hospital’s diabetes program is accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

With a physician’s referral, many health insurers cover the cost of these sessions. For those not covered, the cost is $10 per two-hour session.

Classes will meet on five Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Henry J. Nardone Conference Center. Class size is limited.

For information and to register, please call (401) 348-3533 or (800) 933-5960 extension 3533, or send an email to: diabetes@westerlyhospital.org.