Understanding Diabetes: Take Charge of Your Health
Chances are, you know someone living with diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that over 100 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition that happens when the body cannot produce enough insulin or can’t use it well. If diabetes isn’t managed properly, it can cause serious problems like vision loss, kidney issues, heart disease, nerve damage, and even amputations.
The good news is that diabetes can be managed. Working with a healthcare provider can help keep blood sugar (glucose) levels in a healthy range. Eating healthy foods and staying active are also important. By taking these steps, you can control your symptoms and lower the risk of complications.
Introducing Firelands Regional Medical Center’s Diabetes Care Center
At Firelands Regional Medical Center, the Diabetes Care Center is dedicated to providing exceptional support and resources for individuals with diabetes and metabolic disorders. The center’s mission is to empower patients to manage their health, whether they are dealing with prediabetes, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, or related conditions such as metabolic syndrome and obesity.
The Diabetes Care Center consists of two main components. The first encompasses a team of diabetes specialists, including experienced clinicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists, all dedicated to staying up to date on the latest advancements in diabetes treatment. While these specialists complement the care provided by primary care physicians (PCPs), their expertise adds a valuable layer of support to improve treatment outcomes and enhance the quality of life for those with diabetes. The center fosters continuity of care by communicating important treatment information to the patients' PCPs.
Since diabetes management is never one-size-fits-all, the center's professionals create personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. For instance, patients with Type 2 diabetes have access to a wide array of medications, with 10 classes and over 21 oral options available. The team helps identify the most suitable and affordable treatment options for each individual.
Empowering Through Education: The DSME Program
A core belief at the Diabetes Care Center is that education is key to empowering patients. The center is proud to offer the Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program, recently recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for its quality. This program equips patients with the knowledge and skills to prioritize their health and lead a vibrant, active lifestyle.
Patients must be referred by their PCP or a provider from the center to participate in the DSME program. The program includes a one-on-one session with a diabetes educator and a one-on-one session with a registered dietitian specializing in diabetes care, along with four group classes that address vital topics such as medication compliance, exercise, proper nutrition, and blood sugar tracking.
Advanced Support for Insulin Pump Users
For those utilizing insulin pumps, Firelands Diabetes Care Center offers comprehensive training on various devices, including Tandem, Omnipod, BetaBionics ILet and Medtronic pumps. The center’s certified trainers provide support for both new pump starts and upgrades. Whether you're beginning your journey with a new device or transitioning to an upgraded pump, the dedicated team is here to ensure a smooth process and assist you in managing your diabetes effectively.
If you or someone you know could benefit from expert diabetes care, seek to gain greater control over this condition, and enhance your quality of life, consider reaching out to Firelands Diabetes Care Center. For more information, visit firelands.com/diabetes or call 419-557-6550.
Take control of your health, and let us support you on your journey to better diabetes management. You don’t have to face diabetes alone.
