Community Health Educator on a Mission: November is American Diabetes Month

Vermont Business Magazine “Statistics show that many people have a diagnosis of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes but don't know they have diabetes,” says RN, BSN, MSA, CCM, Community Health Care. said Claudia Courcelle, director of management. Our goal is to raise awareness. ”

Krussel and Michelle Redmond, RN, BSN, CDCES, Diabetes Program Quality Coordinator for Community Health, work with local Lions clubs to visit senior centers, school systems, local businesses, and community organizations. We offer free blood sugar testing with a focus on people who have not had their blood sugar tested. Have not been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes. “We also focus on identifying people who may have been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes among young people, but regular medical care is not their primary focus. ”Courcel added.

Every November, Community Health joins other health care providers and the American Diabetes Association in an observation. american diabetes monthIt's time to fight the diabetes epidemic and empower individuals, families and communities with diabetes knowledge.

What is diabetes?

  • Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body mistakenly attacks itself. As a result, the pancreas is unable to produce its own insulin.
  • Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and involves the pancreas' inability to produce enough insulin and/or the body's inability to use insulin properly.
  • Gestational diabetes occurs in 5-9% of pregnancies. Although blood sugar levels usually return to normal after the baby is born, women who have had gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes in the future.

Courcel said a new program is being designed to identify and support women with a history of gestational diabetes. These women are encouraged to have regular testing and follow-up because they are at increased risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. “We're trying to make sure that women with a history of gestational diabetes understand their risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes,” said Courcelle. Diabetes Prevention Class in Vermont (https://www.myhealthyvt.org/workshop/diabetes-prevention/).

Vermont Department of Health 10% of Rutland County residents and 7% of Addison County residents indicate they have been diagnosed with diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs in 7% of births in Addison County and 9% of births in Rutland County, which is higher than the state average.

Diabetes is one of four diseases identified in Vermont's 3-4-50 initiative, which focuses on the impact of chronic diseases in Vermont. “Three behaviors (lack of exercise, poor diet, and smoking) cause four diseases (cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and lung disease) and account for 50 percent of Vermont's deaths.”

How do you observe American Diabetes Month?

November is awareness month, a time to understand that there are ways to manage diabetes. With knowledge, you can learn not only about managing diabetes but also about empowering your loved ones living with diabetes.

Here are some things to do during American Diabetes Month.

  • Deepen your knowledge of diabetes. Talk to your local healthcare provider about diabetes to find out if you're at risk.
  • If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, contact us about Community Health's diabetes education program.
  • Take the risk test https://diabetes.org/diabetes-risk-test.
  • Join and bring a friend or family member to a community health diabetes support group.

On the second Wednesday of each month, we have a place for you to talk about diabetes, ask questions of our diabetes educators, and offer ideas, thoughts, and support to those affected by diabetes.

Community Health and Rutland Regional Medical Center's Diabetes and Endocrinology Center work together to offer diabetes support groups, including:

  • At the Rutland Diabetes and Endocrine Center from 1 to 2 p.m.
  • 5-6pm at Community Heath Castleton.

“In support groups, I always ask people what's going well, what's not working, and what they've struggled with over the past month,” Redmond said. “Then the dialogue begins. They discuss concerns about meal planning, medication options, the importance of physical activity, and problems they encounter in their daily lives. Please share what you did.”

“Michele and I are also focused on improving the use of technology in people with diabetes, especially CGM (continuous glucose monitoring). We are trying to increase the number of people with diabetes who have access to this technology.” he said. “We are moving forward with plans so that patients can use our facility with peace of mind.”

Certified Diabetes Educator at Community Health

Community Health's diabetes program was reaccredited this year by the Association of Diabetes Care Educators (ADCES). “We have been certified by ADCES since 2016, but we must apply for recertification every four years,” Redmond said. “This means our programs are recognized for their quality and meet the standards for diabetes education and care.” Community Health has educators on staff with specialized training in diabetes education. We are here to offer our expertise to help patients better manage their diabetes.

Community Health's diabetes education team includes Michele Redmond, RN, BSN, CDCES of Castleton, Robin Myers, DNP, FNP-C, CDCES of Brandon, Maria Bilinski, RN, CDCES, CCM of Rutland, and Colleen Bates, MA, CHW. , DCCC of Metowee, and Jean Pringle LPN, DCCC of Shorewell.

“Educators teach basic nutrition to people with diabetes, but many are referred to our registered dietitians, who provide in-depth education,” Courcel said. Maria Durkee, MS, RDN, CD, a certified dietitian at Community Health, assists with dietary recommendations and works with primary care providers. “I believe nutrition plays an important role in our overall health and well-being,” Durkee said. “My goal is to provide individualized nutritional education and counseling to help people in my community achieve and maintain optimal health.”

Join Community Health in November american diabetes month Learn about diabetes, how it affects you and your family, and the resources available to you. For more information about Community Health's diabetes education, talk to your doctor.

About community health
community health is Vermont's largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and a network of primary care, pediatric, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy services with offices in Brandon, Castleton, Rutland, Shoreham, and West Pawlet. community dentistry Offices are located in Rutland and Shoreham. Community Health Pediatrics I'm in Rutland. and behavioral health Services are available at all of our locations. Community medical express care The centers are open seven days a week and are located at Rutland Community Health Center and Castleton Community Health Center.

Click here for more information about community medical care. http://www.chcrr.org

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