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Diabetes Education

Diabetes Education

At Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) our Diabetes Care team wants to ensure you are able to live your life to the fullest, regardless of if you have recently been diagnosed with Diabetes or have lived with it for a while. We have a highly trained team that is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as a provider of Diabetes Self-Management Education and support services.  Our team includes Becki Franks, RN, CDCES, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist.


To learn more about CRHC’s Diabetic Education or affiliated dietitian programs contact:

Becki Franks at (712) 542-8263

Melisa Baier at (712) 542-8303

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes as well as it should. When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. {Source: CDC}

Types of Diabetes

â–º Type 1 Diabetes: Commonly referred to as "childhood diabetes" because it is typically diagnosed early in childhood, teens or early adulthood. It is believed that this happens because of an autoimmune reaction where the body attacks itself by mistake and stops your body from making insulin. 

â–º Type 2 Diabetes: This type of diabetes is when your body doesn't use insulin well and cannot keep blood sugars at a normal level. It typically develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adults, but more and more teens and young adults are being diagnosed. This type can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes.

â–º Prediabetes: With prediabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes raises your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. If you have prediabetes you can take healthy steps towards reversing it.

â–º Gestational Diabetes: This type develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes prior to pregnancy. This puts your baby at a higher risk for health problems. Typically this type of diabetes goes away after your baby is born, but increases your risk for type 2 later in life.



Diabetes Management FAQs:

  • When are Diabetes Educational Programs offered?

    Soon! Becki & Melisa have Diabetes education and support classes planned periodically throughout the year. Of course, one-on-one sessions can also be scheduled as well. 


    Learn more about this program here! For questions about the program or if you need help managing your diabetes please contact Becki at 712-542-8263.

  • Where do I go for diabetes education?

    We have a diabetes education room located in the CMA clinic at CRHC. The address is 220 Essie Davison Drive, Clarinda, IA, 51632. Or our Diabetes & Me Support and Educational classes are held at the CRHC Business Office. That address is 1020 W State Street, Clarinda, IA 51632


  • What if I cannot come to my scheduled session or I missed it?

    Sessions can be made up at a later date. Please communicate with your diabetes management nurse if scheduling conflicts come up. 

  • Does insurance pay for diabetes education?

    If you have Medicare Part B and meet certain criteria, they will help pay for diabetes education sessions at CRHC. Payment by other insurance companies will depend upon your plan. So if you are unsure, please contact your insurance company and simply ask if your policy “covers diabetes self-management training”. If you have more questions, our team will help you get them answered. If insurance isn’t applicable, financial assistance may be available.


    To learn more about our Diabetes Management Program, please call Becki at 712-542-8263. To learn more about our Dietitian Services you can reach out to Kelli Wilmes at 712-542-6746. 

Services


Read More About Diabetes:


Diabetes Care Team

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