Balancing Awareness and Action

JEFFERSON, Iowa – Local healthcare providers and national partners are ramping up efforts to spotlight the daily realities of living with diabetes and are working to build awareness of the resources available to support those impacted.

“The services offered at Greene County Medical Center are designed to support our patients no matter where they are in their journey,” explained Laura Walker, RN and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). “As part of the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program, newly diagnosed patients and those who have been managing diabetes for the long-term can receive individualized guidance from myself and Erica Vandenberg, our Registered Dietitian.”

Patients receive assistance with medication coordination and learn about lifestyle modifications and glucose monitoring. Greene County Medical Center has also introduced telehealth endocrinology services, providing patients with ease of access to board-certified endocrinologists.

On the national front, medical-technology company, Medtronic Plc, has launched its annual #BlueBalloonChallenge initiative. “This campaign aims to illuminate the difficulties patients with type 1 diabetes face in balancing their condition with the demands of everyday life,” Walker said. “Participants are asked to film themselves doing routine activities while keeping a blue balloon lofted in the air.” For every social media post that uses #BlueBalloonChallenge and tags @medtronicdiabetes, the company will donate funds to the advocacy and research organization Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). Their goal is to raise visibility and awareness of diabetes and support the continued innovation of care.

The Greene County Medical Center Diabetes Management Team not only encourages everyone to participate in this worthwhile campaign, but to also show their support by wearing blue on World Diabetes Day, November 14. They can also take additional steps for their own health. “Learn your numbers and make use of the tools at hand,” Walker advised. “Type 2 and prediabetes risk assessments are available on our website at gcmchealth.com. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is another tool that has become increasingly more accessible with certain insurances, Medicare and Medicaid. Many who are not currently using one could qualify. Education, monitoring and community support are some of the most important items in that toolbox.”

Diabetes Management services at Greene County Medical Center are available through a referral from your primary care provider. Telehealth endocrinology appointments are available on the first Wednesday of each month. More information is available for both at 386-2488. For more information, scan the QR code below.