No Sugar Coating Here – Diabetes Education Program Changes Lives

Pam DePuew of Waverly noticed her energy levels were lower than normal. She had also been watching her A1C and fasting glucose levels. After a year of her levels slowly rising, it was time to act. 

DePuew visited with her primary care provider, Amy Bodensteiner, PA-C, at Waverly Health Center’s (WHC) Christophel Clinic. Bodensteiner referred DePuew to the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support program (DSMES) at WHC. 

The DSMES program is led by Mindy Ellsworth, RDN, LD, CDCES. The program is nationally recognized and accredited by the American Diabetes Association. It is for anyone who was recently diagnosed with diabetes, is having difficulty managing blood glucose levels, or generally wants to learn more about their diabetes. 

Individualized counseling is offered through the DSMES program for patients with diabetes. It teaches healthy eating habits, how to monitor blood glucose, problem-solving and tips for being active. The overall goal is to guide patients on how to live well with diabetes. 

Ellsworth is a registered dietician nutritionist with more than 25 years of experience in the field. She provides an advanced level of care as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. 

Ellsworth provided DePuew with a blood glucose monitor and demonstrated how to use it. She counseled DePuew on food and activity choices that would help improve glucose levels. They also discussed how diabetes can affect patients both physically and emotionally, and how to cope. 

“Living with diabetes is hard,” said Ellsworth. “It's important for patients to learn how to manage their diabetes 24/7. I’m here to help them do that.” 

The DSMES program is personalized to each patient. Whether someone is new to having diabetes or has had it for years, the program can help patients learn ways to manage diabetes to fit their lifestyle. 

Ellsworth stays up to date with the latest diabetes technology. The DSMES program at WHC offers samples of continuous glucose monitors (CGM). CGMs monitor blood glucose levels in real time. These convenient monitors improve diabetes management and prevent complications by offering participants a glimpse into how lifestyle can impact their glucose levels. 

“Oftentimes, patients feel that their diabetes is a result of something they did or didn’t do, but that’s not the case at all,” said Ellsworth. “I love being able to provide patients with the necessary knowledge, skills and tools to build confidence and emotional strength to manage their diabetes.” 

DePuew has settled into a new routine and lifestyle and is managing her diabetes well. She is thankful for the guidance of Ellsworth and being readily available when questions come up. “It’s nice to know I have someone I can go to if any issues arise,” she said.

To learn more about the DSMES program, click here.