Educator Empowers People with Diabetes

November 28, 2023

Managing diabetes can be a complex and challenging journey, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Diabetes educators help people manage diabetes and prevent diabetes. Angela Schultz, RN-BSN, CDCES, diabetes educator located within MSU Health Care Family Medicine Clinical Center First Floor, discusses the role and benefit of a diabetes educator for adult patients with diabetes.

What is a diabetes educator?

A diabetes educator is a highly trained health professional with specialized knowledge and expertise in diabetes care and management.

Diabetes education topics include:

• Diabetes understanding
• Healthy eating
• Active lifestyle
• Medication insights

• Glucose monitoring
• Complication management

• Coping strategies

• Support for diabetes distress

The Role of a Diabetes Educator

Diabetes educators play a crucial role in your health care journey. They provide evidence-based Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support to individuals diagnosed with diabetes. Given the diverse factors that can impact blood sugar levels, the treatment of diabetes requires a personalized approach. What works for one person may not work for another, and a diabetes educator takes the time to understand the unique needs and preferences of each patient.

Why Diabetes Self-Management Education Matters

Diabetes Self-Management Education is a vital component of diabetes care. The condition can be overwhelming, and seeking the guidance of a diabetes educator not only equips you with essential skills for managing diabetes but also empowers you to advocate for yourself. Research has shown that individuals who engage with a diabetes educator for 10 or more hours per year experience significant improvements in life expectancy and overall well-being.

What to Expect from a Diabetes Educator

When you see a diabetes educator, you gain access to valuable resources and support covering all aspects of life with diabetes. Whether you have questions about medication, lifestyle changes, or emotional well-being, a diabetes educator collaborates with you, your primary care provider, and/or endocrinologist to develop a personalized care plan to improve your health.

Accessing Diabetes Education Services

Patients can be referred to a diabetes educator by the health care provider managing their diabetes. The good news is that attending Diabetes Self-Management Education is a covered benefit by nearly all medical insurances. This means you can access the support you need without additional financial burden.

If you are interested in seeking diabetes education and support from Angela, please reach out to your primary care provider or endocrinologist.

More information on Angela can be found here.