Diabetes Program Helps Patients Navigate Lifestyle Changes
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- Written By: Felicia Messimer
Enhancements planned within next year
Getting the diagnosis of diabetes can be a life changer. Suddenly, you have to change how you eat and exercise to keep your glucose levels under control. It can be a lot to tackle on your own.
If you have diabetes, ask your primary care provider for a referral to Campbell County Health’s Diabetes Education program, which is nationally recognized by the American Diabetes Association.
“Newly diagnosed patients are referred to help them learn the skills to successfully live with diabetes,” says Kim Handley, RD, LD, CDE, diabetes educator. During visits patients learn:
- What diabetes is and how to manage it
- How food affects blood glucose and how to eat healthy for a lifetime
- The benefits of daily activity
- How diabetes medication works
- To manage blood glucose readings
- To prevent complications
- Skills for managing a lifetime disease
- Continued motivation for good health
Most insurance plans and Medicare/Medicaid cover diabetes education. Check your individual plan for specifics.
Diabetes educators see adults and children with Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes.
“We also welcome individuals with prediabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Both conditions commonly lead to diabetes, and with early education we can help prevent the onset of diabetes,” Handley says.
Dr. Repas asks all his new patients with diabetes to see the diabetes educators prior to their first appointment. He wants his patients to have the advantage of diabetes education within the last year.
In the future, CCH plans to expand its diabetes education program. Patients with diabetes will soon be able to take advantage of a comprehensive diabetes education program that’s actively being developed. Future enhancements include community classes, seminars and workshops to promote healthy lifestyles for patients with diabetes and prediabetes. Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring are also planned options for patients. Call 307.688.3615 to learn more.