1021 N. 27th Street, Lincoln, NE 68503
Medical Clinic
Dental Clinic
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Bryan Health West Medical Plaza 2222 S 16th Street, Ste. 435, Lincoln, NE 68502
Monday – Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday & Thursday: Closed from Noon-1:00 for lunch. Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed from 1:00-2:00 for lunch.
3100 N 14th St Lincoln, NE 68521
Monday — Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2301 O St, Lincoln, NE 68510
Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
1248 O St., Suite 400, Lincoln, NE 68508
Our diabetic educators at Bluestem Health are dedicated to helping patients understand, manage, and prevent diabetes.
min read
Our diabetic educators are dedicated to helping patients understand, manage, and prevent diabetes. Both Molly Petrik, RD, LMNT, CDCES, and Jeni Wood, BSN, RN, CDCES, offer invaluable support for those at-risk or already diagnosed with diabetes. Let’s explore some key insights from these Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (CDCES).
One of the most critical aspects of diabetes prevention is recognizing the risk factors. Molly emphasizes you should “Watch for signs and symptoms of high blood sugar, especially if you have a family history of diabetes.” Potential signs include:
If you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with an expert like Molly or Jeni. Our CDCES team recommends you see a specialist if:
Molly and Jeni each take a personalized approach to managing diabetes risk factors. They assess each patient’s current lifestyle, identify potential barriers to change, and develop strategies to improve blood sugar control. “Often, we recommend you start small with diet and exercise changes. By incorporating attainable goals, you can decrease the risk factors that come from having high blood sugars over time,” says Molly.
For those with prediabetes, Molly and Jeni offer counseling services similar to those with diagnosed diabetes. Their focus is on lifestyle changes. Jeni says, “The focus is usually on making lifestyle changes like portion control. The more we can improve blood sugar control, the more we can decrease the risk.”
Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing diabetes risk. Through lifestyle changes and improved dietary habits, patients can significantly enhance their blood sugar control and reduce the risk of developing diabetes or its complications. Consistent meetings with Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialists like Molly and Jeni, who also offer nutrition counseling, provide numerous benefits:
By providing tools and resources specific to each patient’s needs, the free services of our diabetes education team can provide essential education without adding to your financial burden. In addition to the no-cost diabetes and prediabetes education services, our clinics can help with the following:
We advocate for regular screening, especially if you have risk factors. Early detection can significantly impact your ability to manage the condition and prevent complications.
By integrating these insights with personalized care from diabetic educators like Molly and Jeni, Bluestem Health provides a robust approach to diabetes management. Their commitment to patient education and support ensures that individuals are well-equipped to manage their health and minimize the risks associated with diabetes.
Our commitment to accessibility and coordinated care defines who we are, and as a Federally Qualified Health Center, we work to ensure that everyone—regardless of income, language, or circumstance—can receive the care they deserve.
From the very first days of infancy all the way through our senior years, keeping up with recommended vaccines is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your health and the health of those around you.
If you’re ready to build a career where your skills are valued, your growth is supported, and your work truly matters, Bluestem Health may be the perfect work environment for you.
