5 Things That DO NOT Happen At Diabetes Education

Most people are not familiar with diabetes education services, or what we will talk about at diabetes education. In fact, only about 60% of people with diabetes have had any formal diabetes education. At diabetes education, we really focus on the self-care skills that will help you manage your diabetes every day. That includes:

• Health Eating
• Being Active
• Taking Medication
• Monitoring Blood Glucose
• Healthy Coping
• Problem Solving
• Reducing Risk

We break down the information in "small bites" and work together with you, step-by-step from where you are currently to where you want to be in managing your diabetes. Our job is to help you reach your goals.

For all the things we will work on together, there are 5 things that we WON'T DO at diabetes education. 

Here they are:

1. We won't give you a list of foods you can't have. After talking with us, you will discover that a diabetes meal plan is really a healthy way of eating that your whole family can share with you. Even treats such as ice cream, or chocolate, can be worked in with a little planning and some knowledge about sensible portions.
2. We won't act like the "diabetes police". We are here to help, not criticize! Wherever you are at with your diabetes care, even if your blood sugars have never been in control, or you have given up trying, we are here to meet you wherever you are today and together, we can find a way  to move forward to a place of health and healing.
3. We won't judge you based on your blood sugar numbers. We know that diabetes is a real challenge, and we know that nobody has perfect blood sugars all the time. We also know that blood sugar numbers are just that- a number, and they're not a judgment about your value as a person. 
4. We won't expect you to change overnight. Change is not easy! Making changes in your life, like the way your eat, exercising, or doing new things like checking your blood sugar takes practice and effort. Most new habits take weeks or months to become part of your routine, and that's okay. We are here to encourage you while you learn.
5. We won't have a "magic cure". There is no one perfect diet, medication or exercise plan that works for everybody. Each person is different and unique. The internet is full of websites that promise to "cure" diabetes, but they aren't giving the full story.

Diabetes educators are here to help you learn how to take care of yourself, learn about your treatment plan, and help you deal with fears and barriers that get in your way of reaching your goals.

https://www.diabeteseducator.org/living-with-diabetes 

Diabetes and Flu Prevention

 Influenza ("the flu") is a respiratory illness that is caused by influenza viruses. In the U.S., flu activity peaks in the fall and winter months. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommend an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older, especially people at high risk. One of the groups of people considered high risk for influenza is people with diabetes. This is because people with diabetes- even if it is well-managed- are more likely to become seriously ill and require hospitalization if they get the flu. Having the flu can also make diabetes worse by making it harder to control your blood sugar.

Because it takes about 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect, it is recommended for people to get their flu shot as early in the season as possible- September or October. If you did not get your flu shot yet, you still have time- flu vaccines can be given any time during to flu season. Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the flu. Other ways to help prevent the flu are: 

•  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.

If you think you have the flu, call your doctor's office. There are antiviral medications available to treat the flu, and they are more effective if they are started within 2 days of getting sick.  

Here are some places where you can find more information about diabetes and flu:

CDC: Flu & People with Diabetes 

American Diabetes Association: Flu and Pneumonia Shots

Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists: Diabetes and Vaccines

COVID-19 and People with Diabetes

By now, you've likely heard about the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) infection. You may have also heard or read that people with diabetes have special concerns in relation to this disease. What we are hearing now from the U.S. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is that people with diabetes have a higher risk of experiencing serious complications from this virus if they become infected. All people, including those with diabetes, are being instructed to take steps to avoid becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus.

There are things you can do to help prevent the spread of this disease. Family members and people who are close to you should also take steps to help prevent infection. The CDC, the American Diabetes Association, and the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists have provided information for people with diabetes on their websites in relation to COVID-19. You can find links to their websites here:

American Diabetes Association: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

U.S. CDC: Steps to Prevent Illness

Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists: Tips for People with Diabetes

Diabetes: There's No One Size Fits All Solution

Many, many, people ask us, "What's the BEST time to check my blood sugar?", or, "What's the BEST diet to eat?" Each person is different and has their own unique schedule, routine, family obligations and life situation. What works for one person doesn't work for another. Our tastes and preferences in food are especially unique to each person. Taking care of your diabetes is not a once size fits all situation.

When people come to diabetes education, we take the time to learn about your personal preferences, your life situation, and your daily routine. Our goal is to help you create a plan to make diabetes self-care work for YOUR life.

Sometimes as human beings, we hang on to old habits or routines that no longer work for us. Perhaps the soda pop that helped you power through extra long work days or the exhaustion of raising young children is now making your blood sugar soar way too high. Maybe the "farmhouse breakfast" of your childhood- eggs, bacon and potatoes every morning- just doesn't work for your body now that you don't have to do heavy farm chores anymore. Maybe you grew up in a time when you could not leave the table until your plate was "all clean", even if your belly was way past the point of being full, but now those habits are leading to weight gain. Our life circumstances change and our bodies change over time.

Diabetes brings with it a lot of changes- taking medication, checking blood sugar, eating differently, and exercising. Many people struggle with change- it's not easy! Each person needs to make their personal choices regarding how, and when, and what changes they are going to make. Your diabetes educators, and the rest of your care team, are here to help you get the information you need to make informed decisions, decide what changes you want or need to make, and how to go about working diabetes self-care into your life.