Managing Diabetes Risk: Insights from Bluestem Health’s Diabetic Educators

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).

Understanding Risk Factors

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:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Changes in vision

When to Seek Specialist Care

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:

• Your A1c level is over 9%
• You experience lifestyle changes affecting your diet or medication routine
• Your primary care doctor recommends you visit a CDCES

Personalized Risk Management

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.

Early Detection and Prevention Services

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.”

The Power of Nutrition Counseling

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:

• Deeper understanding of diabetes
• Improved diabetes self-care skills
• Customized strategies to integrate diabetes management into daily life
• Reduced risk of long-term complications

Personalized Tools and Resources

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:

• Assistance with food insecurity issues
• Recommendations for food tracking app
• Setup of personal Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
• Multilingual support with interpreters to overcome language barriers

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.