Vermont Business Magazine "Statistics show many people have a diagnosis of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, but do not know that they have it,” said Claudia Courcelle, RN, BSN, MSA, CCM, Community Health’s Director of Care Management. “Discussing the importance of awareness is our goal.”
Courcelle and Michele Redmond, RN, BSN, CDCES, Communiuty Health’s Diabetes Program Quality Coordinator, are collaborating with the local Lion’s Club to visit senior centers, school systems, local businesses and community organizations offering free blood sugar testing, focusing on people who don't have a diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes. “Our focus is also to identify those in the younger population who may have a diagnosis of pre-diabetes or diabetes, but regular medical care is not their primary focus," Courcelle added.
Each year in November, Community Health joins other healthcare organizations and the American Diabetes Association to observe American Diabetes Month, a time to rally against the diabetes epidemic and to empower individuals, families and communities with knowledge about diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body mistakenly attacks itself. The result is that the pancreas can no longer make its own insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of diabetes and involves the pancreas not being able to make enough insulin and/or the body is unable to use its insulin properly.
- Gestational diabetes occurs in 5-9% of pregnancies. Blood sugar usually goes back to normal after birth of the baby, but women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk for developing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes in the future.
Courcelle said a new program is being designed to identify and assist women with a history of gestational diabetes. Due to their higher risk of developing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, these women will be encouraged to come in for routine screenings and follow ups. “We are trying to make sure that women who have a history of gestational diabetes understand their risk of developing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes,” Courcelle said, “and to ensure that they're aware of community resources like the “My Healthy Vermont” diabetes prevention classes (https://www.myhealthyvt.org/workshop/diabetes-prevention/).
The Vermont Department of Health indicates that 10% of the residents of Rutland County and 7% in Addison County have been diagnosed with diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurred in 7% of the births in Addison County and 9% of the births in Rutland County which is higher than the state average.
Diabetes is one of the four illnesses identified in the state of Vermont’s 3-4-50 initiative that spotlights the impact of chronic disease in the state. “Three behaviors (no physical activity, poor diet, tobacco use) lead to 4 diseases (cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, lung disease) and result in 50% of deaths in Vermont.”
How will you observe American Diabetes Month?
November is the month of awareness, a time to understand that there are ways to manage diabetes. With knowledge you can learn about managing diabetes as well as uplifting your loved ones who are living with diabetes.
Here are some things to do during American Diabetes Month:
- Fuel your diabetes knowledge. Talk to your Community Health primary care provider about diabetes and find out if you are at risk.
- If you are diagnosed with diabetes, inquire about Community Health’s diabetes education program.
- Take the risk test https://diabetes.org/diabetes-risk-test.
- Attend and bring a friend or family member to Community Health’s diabetes support group.
During the second Wednesday of every month there is a place where you are welcome to talk about diabetes, ask questions of diabetes educators, and give your ideas, thoughts, and support to anyone who is impacted by diabetes.
Community Health and Rutland Regional Medical Center’s Diabetes & Endocrinology Center have joined together to offer Diabetes Support Groups:
- 1-2 PM at the Rutland Diabetes & Endocrinology Center
- 5-6 PM at Community Heath Castleton
“At the support group I always ask what is working, what is not working, what have you struggled within the last month, “said Redmond. “That starts the dialogue. They discuss concerns about planning meals, medication options, importance of physical activity, and issues that they encounter in their daily lives. Attendees will share with one another issues they have had and how they have dealt with them.”
“Michele and I are also focusing on improving use of technology in our diabetes population, specifically CGM (continuous glucose monitoring). We are trying to increase the number of patients with diabetes who are utilizing this technology,” said Courcelle. “We are working on a plan to help patients feel comfortable utilizing this.”
Community Health’s Certified Diabetes Educators
Community Health’s diabetes program was reaccredited by the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) this year. “We have been accredited by ADCES since 2016, but have to apply for reaccreditation every four years,” Redmond said. “It means that our program has been recognized for its quality and that it meets the standards for diabetes education and care.” Community Health has educators on staff who have received specialized training in diabetes education and can offer their expertise in helping patients improve their diabetes management.
The diabetes education team at Community Health includes Michele Redmond, RN, BSN, CDCES at Castleton, Robin Myers, DNP, FNP-C, CDCES at Brandon, Maria Bilinski, RN, CDCES, CCM at Rutland, Colleen Bates, MA, CHW, DCCC at Mettowee, and Jean Pringle LPN, DCCC at Shorewell.
“The educators teach basic nutrition to patients with diabetes, but many are also referred to our Registered Dietician, where she provides in-depth education,” Courcelle said. Community Health’s certified dietitian, Maria Durkee, MS, RDN, CD, assists with dietary recommendations and works with primary care providers. “I believe nutrition plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being,” Durkee said. “My goal is to provide individualized nutrition education and counseling to help my community achieve and maintain their best health.”
Join Community Health in November during American Diabetes Month and learn more about diabetes, how it is affecting you and your family and the resources that are available. For more information about Community Health’s diabetes education talk to your primary care provider.
About Community Health
Community Health is Vermont’s largest FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center), a network of primary care, pediatric, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy services with offices in Brandon, Castleton, Rutland, Shoreham, and West Pawlet. Community Dental offices are located in Rutland and Shoreham; Community Health Pediatrics is in Rutland; and Behavioral Health services are available at all of our locations. Community Health Express Care centers, open 7 days a week, are located at the Rutland and Castleton Community Health Centers.
Learn more about Community Health at http://www.chcrr.org
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