Diabetes impacts millions of people and is one of the most common chronic conditions experienced by Americans. That doesn't mean complications are inevitable or that people experiencing diabetes or prediabetes are powerless.

Managing diabetes is a continuous journey that requires dedication, education, and support. Individuals grappling with this complex disease have a valuable ally in Door County Medical Center (DCMC). With innovative nutritional programs explicitly tailored for diabetes management, DCMC helps patients understand their condition and empowers them to take charge of their health through informed dietary choices.

Igniting Change Through Education

DCMC's nutritional programs empower clients to take control of their health. Healthcare providers help individuals cultivate lasting changes in their eating habits by focusing on realistic and achievable goals.

Cathy Keller, a registered dietitian nutritionist at DCMC, advocates for a balanced approach to eating rather than an "all or nothing" mentality. Her perspective? "Small changes can make a big impact on overall health." This philosophy encourages patients to gradually adjust their diets for sustainable long-term benefits.

DCMC offers a variety of nutritional programs designed to cater to the unique needs of individuals, including people with diabetes:

Lifestyle Nutrition Coaching: This one-on-one coaching program is perfect for prediabetes patients. Through personalized sessions, clients learn to make informed decisions about their food choices and how they impact their health. Lifestyle Nutrition Coaching is a cash-based program for anyone looking to improve their health through better food choices. No referral is needed, making it an accessible option for those seeking personalized guidance.

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): Tailored for diabetes, kidney disease, and sometimes other conditions, MNT involves creating a personalized nutrition plan under the guidance of a registered dietitian. Clients meet with the dietitian to assess their eating habits and health history and set achievable nutrition goals to improve overall health.

Medicare typically covers MNT for individuals with diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Commercial insurance may also cover additional conditions such as obesity or high cholesterol. While individuals with prediabetes may qualify for MNT under some commercial insurance plans, Medicare does not currently provide coverage for this diagnosis. For those ineligible for MNT through Medicare, Lifestyle Nutrition Coaching can be an excellent alternative.

The heart of DCMC's educational offerings is the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program. This program is offered by a diabetes care and education specialist, such as a registered nurse or registered dietitian. The team will work with you to design a management plan tailored to your lifestyle, culture, and beliefs.

The training focuses on fundamental aspects of diabetes care, including glucose monitoring and nutrition, medication management, and preventing chronic complications (foot, vision, dental, cardiac care, immunizations). It provides participants with essential strategies for controlling their disease effectively.

For example, a person recently diagnosed with uncontrolled diabetes while in the emergency department was referred to the DSMES program by their physician. They learned how to test their blood sugar and started testing daily while making a few changes to their food intake and increasing their activity level. After 6 months, their hemoglobin A1c level showed their diabetes to be well managed, and their diabetes medication dose was reduced. According to Keller, this is a typical success story.

Diabetes Self-Care Behaviors

Most people understand that nutrition is an integral part of diabetic health. At DCMC, we encourage clients to take a holistic approach to diabetes management, including participating in self-care behaviors. DCMC promotes the following seven behaviors that empower patients to take an active role in managing their diabetes:

1. Understanding how different foods affect blood sugar is crucial. Patients learn that they don't have to give up their favorite foods but rather find balanced ways to enjoy them while managing their blood sugar levels. Eating during the holidays can present unique challenges. Keller recommends planning ahead, having healthy choices available, eating slowly to enjoy every bite, and giving your brain the time it needs to get the signal that you've had enough.

2. Regular physical activity offers numerous health benefits, including improved blood pressure, lowered cholesterol levels, and enhanced mood. DCMC encourages patients to embrace an active lifestyle as a vital part of their diabetes management plan. Daily activities such as gardening, washing your car, or climbing stairs – that you can work into your day as part of an active lifestyle. All physical activities require your muscles to use energy, which helps with blood sugar control. The goal is to move more and sit less. People whose activity is limited by chronic conditions should do as much as their conditions allow.

3. Monitoring blood sugar levels and other health indicators is critical for making informed healthcare decisions. Regular monitoring provides insight into how various factors affect diabetes management.

4. Adhering to a prescribed medication regimen, whether it's insulin, oral medications, or other therapies, is essential for controlling blood sugar and reducing the risk of complications.

5. Diabetes management can be unpredictable. Developing problem-solving skills helps individuals anticipate challenges and devise effective strategies for unexpected situations. For instance, someone who frequently forgets to take their evening medication may notice higher-than-desired blood sugar levels in the morning. They can address the issue by setting a simple reminder on their phone to take the dose on time and achieve better outcomes. Small, proactive adjustments like these can make a significant difference in managing overall health.

6. With any chronic illness comes the emotional ups and downs. Recognizing and addressing feelings can help mitigate their negative impact on self-care and overall health.

7. Reducing Risks: Understanding potential complications associated with diabetes enables individuals to take proactive measures to minimize these risks, significantly improving their health outcomes.

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Navigating diabetes doesn't have to be a solitary journey. DCMC offers individual appointments at our three clinic locations (Sturgeon Bay, Algoma, and Sister Bay). Call 920.743.5566 to get started today.