Diabetes & Metabolic Care Wellness Retreat
A free, one day, in person retreat designed to empower adults living with diabetes, prediabetes or obesity through practical education, hands on demonstrations and supportive community.
Hosted by the University Hospitals Diabetes & Metabolic Care Center, the retreat uses person centered methods to build your confidence and skills in day to day self management.
Ready to join us?
Text “WELL” to 216-777-4700 or email WellnessTeam@UHhospitals.org to receive updates and registration details.
Why This Retreat Matters
Diabetes is increasingly common in the U.S. In 2019, an estimated 37.1 million adults were living with diabetes and 96 million adults had prediabetes. The CDC projects that about one third of Americans could have diabetes by 2050 if current trends continue.
Who Should Attend
Adults 18 years and older with any of the following:
- Diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Obesity
There is no cost to attend.
What You’ll Learn
Our curriculum draws on the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Self Management Education and Support (DSMES) program. Expect interactive seminars, demonstrations and activities that make complex topics practical and actionable:
- Diabetes Education & Management: General information and problem solving strategies.
- Medications & Technology: Adherence tips, devices and tools.
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): What it is, how it works and supervised use. All retreat attendees have access to a free CGM during the program.
- Nutrition You Can Use: Informative overviews with practical planning tips.
- Movement & Exercise: Approachable sessions – walking, stretching, mediation and yoga.
- Healthy Coping & Mindfulness: Guided grounding and realistic stress management tools.
What’s Included (At No Cost)
- Expert led education, small group learning and hands on activities.
- Healthy meals and snacks during the retreat.
- Guided movement sessions for all abilities.
- Wellness tools and resources to support your home routine.
- CGM access with training and support.
The Four Pillars We Practice
Our approach is built around these pillars of success, each one reinforcing the others:
Body
Nourish with smart nutrition and sustainable movement.
Mind
Build resilience through relaxation and quality sleep.
Soul
Align emotions, thoughts and perspectives with your goals.
Life
Care for what surrounds your health – family, work and finances.
2026 Retreat Dates in Northeast Ohio
January – no retreat
February 20, 2026 – Cleveland
March 20 – Parma
April 17 – Chagrin Falls
May 15 – Streetsboro
June 19 – Westlake
July – no retreat
August 21 – Mentor
September 18
October 16
November 13
December – no retreat
Stay updated: Details on start times and venues are shared via our Program Registration updates.
Sample Day Agenda (What a Day Can Look Like)
Times and flow may vary by location.
- 8:30 a.m. – Check in & Welcome
- 9:00 a.m. – CGM Placement
- 9:30 a.m. – Intro to Diabetes
- 10:00 a.m. – Medications
- 10:30 a.m. – Nutrition workshop
- 11:30 a.m. – Lunch (provided)
- 12:00 p.m. – Mental Health
- 12:30 p.m. – Movement Session: exercise bands/walking/meditation/yoga
- 1:30 p.m. – Technology & Problem Solving
- 2:30 p.m. – Stress Management & Mindfulness
- 3:30 p.m. – Wrap up & resources
Meet Your Care Team
You’ll learn from a multidisciplinary team of:
- Endocrinologists
- Diabetes care and education specialists
- Nutrition experts
- Fitness / Wellness coaches
- Additional specialists (e.g. pharmacy) as needed for comprehensive support
Want a quick overview of the retreat experience? Watch our short video highlighting the model and patient experience.
Optional: Participate in a Research Study
You’re invited (but not required) to join an on going study evaluating how retreats like this improve self management. Participation includes surveys and securely gathering relevant data from past and future doctor visits.
How to Register
Choose the option that’s easiest for you:
- Text “WELL” to 216-777-4700 to receive personalized updates and registration details.
- Email: WellnessTeam@UHhospitals.org for questions or support.
- Program Registration Page: Join the list for dates, locations and start times as they’re announced.
Accessibility & What to Bring
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for light movement. If you use any diabetes devices or take medications during the day, bring what you need. (If you have accessibility needs, let us know when you register – we’ll make arrangements.)
Additional Resources & Care
- Diabetes Patient Resources: Practical tools to help you manage diabetes at home.
Make An Appointment
To schedule a consult with a diabetes specialist, please call 216-286-8988.
Giving to UH Diabetes Research and Education
Make a gift today to support diabetes research and education at University Hospitals.