Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists are Available for Guidance
Richland Center, WI – November is National Diabetes Month, and the team at The Richland Hospital and Clinics is offering guidance to those who suffer from diabetes. More than 37 million people in the United States—that’s nearly 1 in 10—suffer from the disease. Thankfully, the team at The Richland Hospital and Clinics is here to help.
A diabetes diagnosis is often overwhelming. The sudden need to adjust diet, increase activity levels, and learn to monitor blood sugar is a lot to adjust to. Navigating the evolving misconceptions that surround the disease can also leave patients feeling uncertain about how to care for themselves. To help patients navigate these challenges, The Richland Hospital and Clinics offers Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES) who meet with patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes. A CDCES is an expert who has studied diabetes management and passed rigorous exams to become certified. These specialists help patients develop an understanding of their diagnosis, answering questions about medications and teaching healthier lifestyles. They also partner with patients to create an individualized plan that allows each patient to manage diabetes in a way that fits their life.
To develop a plan that patients can stick with, CDCES professionals work with patients, their families, and the primary care provider to tailor individual plans. These specialists are also advocates for patients and guide them through their choices of medical technology. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM), for instance, are helpful tools for diabetes management, but there are sometimes barriers to receiving one. A CDCES will review a patient’s insurance options with them and provide the referral needed to obtain a monitor.
Research shows that meeting with a CDCES often leads to lower blood sugar levels, cost savings, and improved quality of life. Those interested in further information or support that will empower them on their diabetes management journey are encouraged to set up an appointment with a CDCES at The Richland Hospital. Call 608.647.6321 ext. 2480.
The Richland Hospital and Clinics is a nationally awarded health care facility dedicated to caring, educating, and healing. Providing compassionate care for nearly 100 years to residents of the greater Richland County area, TRHC operates an independent, integrated group medical practice in three locations, including rural health clinics in Richland Center, Spring Green, and Muscoda and a critical access hospital in Richland Center, WI.