Navigating the world of diabetes can feel overwhelming, but with the right support and knowledge, managing your health becomes a clear path. Sara Gaul, a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) at CCMH, has dedicated nearly 11 years to diabetes care.
Evolving Diabetes Care
Gaul shares that what began as a professional endeavor blossomed into a true passion.
“I absolutely love working with patients with diabetes. My commitment to patients led me to pursue becoming a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). Becoming certified is a rigorous process that formalizes your knowledge and provide even more tools to help patients.”
Diet and Exercise in Diabetes Management
Crawford County, like many areas, faces challenges with obesity, with about 44% of the population considered obese. Obesity is a significant factor in diabetes, particularly Type 2, which accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases. The core issue in Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance, where the body doesn’t effectively use insulin.
Gaul emphasized the crucial role of diet and exercise in managing this condition.
“The more carbohydrates we consume, the more insulin our bodies need. By making informed dietary choices and understanding appropriate portion sizes, we can lessen our body’s insulin demand. Exercise further enhances insulin effectiveness for up to 24 hours. While medications play a vital role, the tremendous impact of diet and exercise cannot be overstated.”
CCMH’s diabetes program focuses on personalized plans, recognizing that a “one-size-fits-all” approach simply doesn’t work.
The Endocrinology Telehealth Clinic
For those requiring specialized care, CCMH offers an exceptional Endocrinology Telehealth Clinic in collaboration with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha. Gaul works hand-in-hand with the specialists who run the clinic.
“For over a decade, our endocrinology clinic has provided access to top endocrinologists like Dr. Sydney Blount and Dr. Leslie Eiland, who are both medically brilliant and genuinely caring individuals. The clinic operates twice a month, utilizing telehealth technology so patients can receive expert consultations locally without the burden of travel. This clinic is ideal for individuals whose diabetes has been difficult to manage, those considering an insulin pump, or patients with complex thyroid issues. Thanks to technology, lab results and even radiology images can be seamlessly shared with the specialists in Omaha, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated care.”
Accredited Diabetes Program
CCMH recently achieved a significant milestone: accreditation for its diabetes program through the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES). This four-year accreditation signifies that CCMH’s program meets rigorous standards, ensuring patients receive the best possible care. The program covers all seven healthy behaviors essential for diabetes management, offering individualized support beyond just medications or exercise.
Take the First Step
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, seeking to better manage your long-term diabetes, or simply want to learn more, CCMH offers a range of services. Diabetes education can involve anything from initial guidance for patients to discussions about continuous glucose monitors, dietary counseling, or medication options. These services are tailored to individual needs, from single-focused appointments to multi-session comprehensive plans. To access these services, a referral from your primary care provider is all that’s needed.
Quarterly Wellness Event
For those unsure about their diabetes status, a great starting point is CCMH’s quarterly wellness event. For just $45, you can get a complete blood count, including a fasting glucose level. A fasting glucose around 100 or less is ideal, with numbers in the 100s potentially indicating pre-diabetes, and above 120 raising concerns for diabetes. While one result isn’t definitive, it’s a valuable first step that can prompt further discussion with your provider.
Ready to take control of your health? You can sign up for CCMH’s next wellness event by visiting their website. Find the wellness event sign-up, pick a time and date in September, and embark on your healthcare journey.
