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Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. As a result, blood sugar levels become elevated, leading to a range of health complications if not properly managed. Living with diabetes requires constant attention and management. It’s not just a matter of taking medication or monitoring blood sugar levels; it involves comprehensive lifestyle changes and ongoing support to manage the disease effectively. This is where the TriState Wellness Diabetes Care Team comes into play.

TriState Wellness’ Diabetes Care Program is a structured, ongoing support system, designed to help individuals manage their condition effectively and improve their quality of life. The main focus of the program is to provide comprehensive education and continuous support, addressing both the physical and emotional challenges of living with diabetes. This is crucial because diabetes is not just a physical condition; it significantly impacts mental health as well. Individuals with diabetes are at a greater risk for depression and suicide due to the stress and burden of managing a lifelong disease, making support an essential component of diabetes care.

The journey typically begins with an initial visit to a diabetes educator. During this session, the educator conducts a thorough assessment of the patient’s current health status, lifestyle, and psychological well-being. This is crucial for understanding the patient’s specific needs, challenges, and goals. The educator will ask about their medical history, current medications, eating habits, physical activity level, and emotional state. The educator works in tandem with the Registered Dietitian to evaluate the patient’s diet and interpret the needs of the individual to create a tailored plan for comprehensive results. They will also explore what the patient hopes to achieve through the program, whether it’s better blood sugar control, weight management, or simply feeling more confident in managing their condition. Based on this assessment, a personalized care plan is created and tailored to the individual’s needs, focusing on the seven self-care behaviors (healthy coping, healthy eating, being active, medications, blood glucose monitoring, reducing risk, and problem solving) which are essential for effective diabetes management.

TriState’s Diabetes Educator, Ginger Strobel explains that ongoing support is the key to successful diabetes management. “Diabetes is not a condition that can be managed through a one-time intervention; it requires continuous care and adaptation. Often patients believe that the gadgets, like continuous glucose monitoring systems and insulin pumps, are going to fix everything, but in reality, these technologies require adjusting, and tinkering, and it is so much more than that,” says Ginger. “Support is honestly one of the most important roles that I provide. Follow-up visits give the opportunity to not only review my patient’s progress, but to also address new challenges and update the care plan as needed. This continuous engagement is crucial for maintaining motivation and helping patients stay on track. I am there to educate, offer a compassionate ear, help patients set realistic goals, and celebrate their successes.”