SOSMagAprilJune2020

Diabetes: The Many Ways Firelands Regional Medical Center Can Help By Dawn Fitt, R Ph Firelands Regional Medical Center (FRMC) offers Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME). It teaches how to monitor blood sugar levels, take medication, problem solve and how to reduce the risk of living with health complications that commonly occur with diabetes. DSME also explains how to eat healthy, become more physically active and discusses the emotional side of having diabetes. This education takes place at the Diabetes Care Center at FRMC 1221 Hayes Avenue Suite F. It is led by a team of registered nurses and dietitians and is covered by Medicare insurance. They help with insulin education, glucose meter and pump training. There is also a pharmacist on hand to help with medication issues, such as counseling and affordability. There is also a free support group. It is held the third Wednesday of every month, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. If you are pre-diabetic, FRMC offers help for you, too. It’s called Prevent T2 program and is working in collaboration with Serving Our Seniors. Let FRMC help you to continue healthy living and maintain your independence as you age. Call FRMC at 419-557-6992 and ask for Angela for more information. The Diabetes Empowerment Education Program was a wake-up call for Gilbert Ah Sam, who is 66 years old. He admits he didn’t make much of an effort to control his blood sugar. That is, until he completed this 6-week DEEP course in 2019. “I was so naive about the importance of checking my blood sugar. Before I learned about diabetes from Tina, I would check my blood about one time per week and my blood sugar would be high. Or, I would check it and if I had a good reading I would try to kid myself and say, ‘I’m good, I don’t need to check it again,’ ” he said. “Now, I check my blood in the morning before I eat breakfast, at lunch time and after I go to the gym or walk at the Mall. I exercise three days per week.” Gilbert and Patty, took the course again in January 2020. “It’s a good refresher course for me. I’m going to take it every year.” I couldn’t have done this without my wife. She signed us up for DEEP and she encourages me.” Now that he is motivated to control his diabetes, his blood sugar ranges between 112 – 150. Way to go, Gilbert! If you are pre-diabetic, diabetic or have a family history of diabetes, register for one of the upcoming DEEP courses. We are confident you will be glad you did. Check out the Calendar of Events on page 4 for the next Diabetes Empowerment Education Program courses. Diabetes: Don’t Kid Yourself Tine Elmlinger, Trainer with Gilbert Ah Sam 13