When you are diagnosed with diabetes, it may feel like the world has stopped. But, you can manage diabetes. The Diabetes Self-Management Education Program can help you do it.
A person's health care provider must refer them to the program, which is led by Loretta Musholt, RN, certified diabetes educator. The educational sessions begin by guiding patients to develop his or her own management plan. Follow-up sessions or phone contacts are made as needed to help evaluate the need for further education.
Musholt says education helps patients understand that diabetes isn't just one disease. Diabetes is a "multi-symptom" chronic disease that can lead to a variety of serious conditions including blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, nerve disease, and lead to amputation, impotence, and death.
"One of the benefits of education is teaching patients to detect potential problems early, to prevent these serious complications," Musholt said. "We encourage patients to be partners with their health care providers and to take responsibility for their health. The Self-Management Program can help them do that. It helps people identify a better approach to health because everyone is different and has different goals. They need a plan that they can follow or it won't do any good. An individualized program has the best chance to work for them because they help us create it."
For more information about diabetes or the Diabetes Self-Management Program, talk with your healthcare provider or call (217) 223-8400, extension 4852.