Diabetes is a lifelong condition that can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Choices have to be made every day that should always include the thought “How will this affect my blood sugar?” People with diabetes face challenges everyday and are often bombarded with information that can be hard to understand or not based on medical science. This leaves a patient with Diabetes struggling to process fact from fiction, fighting for control of their diabetes.

Roane County Family Health Care is excited about a new option in managing Diabetes; The Diabetes Group Management Visit.

The Group visits allow for patients with Diabetes to meet in a relaxed setting with other individuals facing the same daily challenges in managing their diabetes. In the group, patients can learn from one another, sharing their triumphs and barriers, develop new friendships and support from one another. Each group meets every three months, with opportunities to grow and learn more about diabetes and ways to get in control of this lifelong illness. The group visit allows for an interactive process to care, where not only the physical and medical needs are provided for but also a time of education, a time where social psychological needs can be effectively met. The group members generally stay the same and meet in the morning or afternoon sessions each quarter. Plans are being developed for guest speakers to address topics such as fitness, medications, and nutrition. Each visit will include time with a health care provider, review of lab work, and allow for individual attention as needed. There is less idle wait time, more “fun” time within the group, and at the same time getting quality health care to put the patient in control of their diabetes instead of their diabetes controlling them.

If you or someone you know has diabetes and are ready to get in control, call Family Health Care and learn more about this exciting approach to managing Diabetes and preventing the complications that can develop when blood sugar is not in control.

Submitted by,

Donna Shanholtzer, Nurse Practitioner