Diabetes Education Center | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Our focus is improving quality of life and making positive lifestyle changes

Contact Us

Jennifer Alvarez, MSHA, RD, LD
Registered Dietitian/Diabetes Educator
T: 806.743.4700
F: 806.743.9363
CombestDEC@ttuhsc.edu

According to the National Institutes of Health, Diabetes Education is Important Because

“Effective health education improves knowledge, attitude, and practices, particularly with regard to lifestyle modifications and dietary management... that can slow down the progression of diabetes and prevent downstream complications.”


Services We Offer

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)

One on one nutrition based therapy provided by a registered dietitian. Also includes therapeutic and counseling services to help
manage chronic diseases.

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Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)

  • Work with a diabetes care and education specialist to set and track goals.
  • Learn how to use knowledge, skills, and tools to build confidence and emotional strength to manage diabetes.
  • Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) is structured around seven diabetes self-care behaviors.

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FREE Services We Offer

FREE Diabetes Support Group

  • Offered on the 3rd Monday of every month from 6-7 pm
  • Spouses and support people are invited
  • Various topics include:
    • Improving medication management
    • Healthy feet
    • Safe and effective physical activity
    • Diabetes and mental health
    • Eye/Dental care
    • Cooking demonstrations for diabetes-friendly meals
    • Diabetes-friendly food products

FREE Weight Loss Classes

A year long diabetes prevention program that can support and teach you how to eat healthy, increase physical activity, and make positive lifestyle changes.

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FREE Cooking Classes

Various topics include:

  • Plan meals
  • Learn how to cook health-friendly meals
  • How to read food labels
  • Understand food groups
  • Learn how to use kitchen equipment

What Type of Insurance Do We Accept?

We accept:

Contact dietitian office for more information on costs and/or insurance concerns:

Telephone: 806-743-4700


Contact Us

Jennifer Alvarez, MSHA, RD, LD, Registered Dietitian/Diabetes Educator
T: 806.743.4700
F: 806.743.9363
CombestDEC@ttuhsc.edu


Accredited in

ADCES Association of Diabetes Care
and Education Specialists

“DSMES is an evidence-based diabetes management service model that can help people with diabetes prevent or delay diabetes complications”
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).

ADA American Diabetes Association

“DSMES participants have higher satisfaction rates with their care, improved knowledge, better treatment adherence, more positive outcomes, and strengthened quality of care”
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).

American Diabetes Association ADCES

The American Diabetes Association recognizes this education service as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.