Diabetes Education

Finding out you have diabetes can be overwhelming. But the first thing you should know is this: you’re not alone. We are here to help.

 

Whether you’ve just learned you have diabetes or have been managing it for years, consider our diabetes educators your coaches. We help you through all the information and can work with you to help manage your diabetes. And that’s important. Because in doing so, you’ll reduce your chance of developing the serious complications of diabetes, including heart disease, dental disease, eye disorders, kidney disease, nerve damage, and lower leg amputation. Only in learning about diabetes can you successfully manage your disease, and that, in turn, will help you live a full, joyful, healthy life.

With the potential complications listed above, it’s only natural to have some fear of your diabetes. There’s also the fear of how it will change your life. And simply the fear of the unknown. But rest assured, your health is our #1 priority. So, take a deep breath, and let’s take this one step at a time.

Our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist can provide you individual personalized help with:

  • Healthy eating
  • Monitoring your blood sugar
  • Increasing activity
  • Understanding use and administration of diabetes medications
  • Reducing risks associated with diabetes
  • Goal setting
  • Use of technology including Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Pumps
  • Community presentations

Our diabetes expert is eager to help people around southwest Wisconsin learn about diabetes. Education helps everyone live better. If your community group or school class might benefit from learning more, our educator is available free of charge to tailor a presentation. Call us at 608-342-4709 for information.

Meet Our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Sandy Andrews, RN, CDCES

SandyAndrews_cropEDIT2A native and long-time resident of Cuba City, Wisconsin, Sandy is a graduate of Northeast Iowa Community College. She’s been a registered nurse in clinical settings, a supervisor in our Medical/Surgical Department, our Emergency Room, and our Ambulatory Services Department, and with her high level of experience, she brings a wealth of skill and knowledge to her role as coordinator of our Diabetes Education program at Southwest Health. Since 2005 she’s been working with our patients, community members, and our own staff to bring countless people ideas and skills for healthier living through her quality diabetes education.

Our Diabetes Education Program

The diabetes education program at Southwest Health helps countless people. Ours meets all the national standards of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and is an ADA recognized program. From monitoring your blood sugar to taking medications to choosing healthier foods to getting the right physical activity and all the little things along the way, we’re here to help you learn and live well. We’re here for you.

Please contact your Primary Care Provider if you would like a referral to our Diabetes Education Program, or contact our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at 608-342-4709 for questions.

What Can You Expect From Our Diabetes Educator

The plain fact is everyone with diabetes needs diabetes education. Why on Earth is that? Because diabetes is complicated, and everyday simple activities affect it. Your blood sugar changes with what you eat… and with what you don’t eat. It changes with your activity levels — what you do, how hard you do it and how long you do it.

Your body’s insulin (which you’ll learn all about) also affects your blood sugar — your dose, the type of insulin, and when you take it relative to eating, exercising and resting.

Even stress and changes in your daily routine may affect your blood sugar levels. These things all change your blood sugar levels, and you will need to understand how to stabilize your blood sugar under all these circumstances. The more you know, the healthier you will be.

Your diabetes educator will help you learn how to take good care of yourself. She will guide you through your treatment and help you with any fears, issues, and problems you encounter along the way.

Ongoing Support

Gdsc_6694etting support when you have diabetes is critical. Why? Because connecting with others makes you more informed. Hearing from others also re-energizes you and motivates you to do the important job of taking good care of your health. Talking with others also eases anxiety about having diabetes.

That’s why we created our monthly Healthy Living Group — a diabetes support group open to everyone. The Healthy Living Group is part class and part discussion and all about supporting you with the information and motivation you need to live well and thrive. Our group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. During that hour you can count on us delivering important updates about diabetes treatment, offering an educational presentation for you to absorb, and engaging the group in discussion. Whether you listen to speak up, that one hour each month will help keep you on track and motivated. And whether you come sometimes or all the time, you’ll always find the Healthy Living Group to be warm and welcoming. Everyone, including family members, is invited to join us.

Other Things You Need To Know

Managing your diabetes requires testing and supplies. So, it’s important to find the best possible, most affordable health plan — one that covers diabetes-related medications and supplies, beginning with a glucose meter and test strips. If you’re not already covered, you’ll need to look into coverage, and we can help. On our Patient Financial Services staff are health care insurance navigators and others who can help.

A Final Word

Finding out you have diabetes can feel like it’s turning your life upside down. You may feel overwhelmed, angry or in disbelief. To help you cope with this new diagnosis, it is important to learn all you can about diabetes and how to manage it. Here are a few brief tips on doing just that:

  • Never stop learning about diabetes and how to live healthily
  • Talk with family and friends. Find sources of support in the people you love and care about.
  • Set some limits. Controlling your diabetes will take time and energy, especially in the beginning. So, don’t over commit when it comes to extra activities and demands of others.
  • Learn coping skills. Reach out to your diabetes educators or others to learn ways to deal with stress, manage your time, and make the personal and emotional adjustments required to keep yourself healthy and well.
  • Come to our Healthy Living Group. Find out what it’s all about and how we can all help each other. Resources are available both for your physical and emotional health.

Lastly, give us a call to set up the first consultation. Call (608) 342-4709.