As a nurse, Jeannine Zeeb has pricked many fingers. When she found out she had diabetes, she had to learn how to start pricking her own.

"I test my blood sugar now every other day. It was three times a day when I started," Jeannine said.

The diagnosis also meant Jeannine had to learn how to eat healthier. So she took a diabetes education class.

As part of the class, Jeannine had to sit down with a dietician.

"Many people haven't been taught how to eat, they've maybe been given a diet and the doctor tears off a diet sheet and says ‘here follow this diet.' Well after about 3 days they throw the diet sheet away. They can't follow it," said Anne Bebee, RN, CDE.

"The bagels you eat in the morning really aren't good for you. Only eat a portion. Your bananas should just be one half a banana," Jeannine said.

Along with food, Jeannine learned about medications and exercise.

"I feel better. Of course that gives you more confidence so you can do a lot of things," said Jeannine.

All of this helped her not only lose 60 pounds but also get her diabetes under control.

Learn more about diabetes at an Alegent Health class or seminar.