Healthy You: Self managing diabetes through United Regional

When it comes to adult diabetes, the national average ranges from about 10.6 to 11.6 percent nationwide. But right here in Wichita County, the average is approximately 12.5 percent, but United Regional’s diabetes educator Nicole Benz and transitional care manager Jessica Sanchez are helping to lower those stats through education.

“So diabetes self-management education is a program that teaches patients how to manage their diabetes day to day, including blood sugar, nutrition, medications, and preventing complications. So this just kind of is important because it gives them the confidence and the tools that they need to stay healthy and avoid hospital visits,” Sanchez said.

The program focuses on the patients’ specific needs.

“During our program we cover healthy eating physical activity. We talk about how physical activity benefits your blood sugar and your overall health monitoring in different ways, that you can monitor your blood sugar tests, and that we recommend to make sure you’re not developing complications from diabetes. The whole aspect, so that you can learn about the disease and know how to self-manage it,” Benz said.

And Sanchez said the program is beneficial for not only newly diagnosed patients but patients who have battled with diabetes for a long period of time.

“It is perfect for newly diagnosed patients. But we also do see longtime patients benefit. It’s just really great for them to kind of have that little bit of a refresher, maybe learn some new strategies and kind of get back on track,” Sanchez said.

And helping clear up any misconceptions about diabetes.

“Common misconceptions that I hear frequently is you can never eat carbohydrates again. Carbs aren’t bad. We do teach moderation, but not elimination,” Benz said.

The program also helps patients develop healthy habits they can maintain.

“One of the biggest things that we encourage is consistency, especially with diet and blood sugar checks. We know that small consistent habits really do make a big difference over time,” Sanchez said.

But Benz said not only does the program help keep you educated, it can also help keep you motivated.

“Frustration with diabetes and diabetes burnout is common, so we’re there for the support. We’re not there to criticize. Maybe we can focus on different technology, like insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors, to help where they can cut back on the finger sticks or injections, if that’s something that’s bothering them,” Benz said.

But ultimately, this program is in place to help reduce the stress and uncertainty that can come with managing diabetes

“That you don’t have to figure this out on your own, that this program is here to support you, not judge you, and that even small changes really do make a big difference. And we’re here to walk with you every step of the way,” Sanchez said.