Why Would I See a Credentialed Diabetes Educator?
Having been diagnosed with diabetes no matter what type can bring a mixture of feelings including guilt, confusion, fear and a sense of loss. There is also an incredible amount of misunderstanding of all types of diabetes and well as individuals albeit well-meaning people giving advice that is neither correct nor helpful.
Diabetes can also change over time and as we grow older different influences will have a wide and varied effect on our glucose levels. These include but not limited to hormones, sleep patterns, menstruation cycles for females, stress, and anxiety levels. A great example of this is known as the dawn phenomenon and will often explain why fasting (first glucose levels in the morning) can be elevated despite not having anything to eat for some time when we have been asleep. According to Dr Ali Murphy from Diabetes Base Camp, this rise is due to “a normal and natural cortisol release, along with maybe some glucagon (to trick the liver into releasing glycogen and elevating our blood glucose). Cortisol is a steroid that is associated with stress (and insulin resistance). However, in this case, it is released as a normal and natural (physiological) pattern of hormone secretion, in order to get us ready for the day”. Such information about our bodies is incredibly powerful and gives an individual the ability to better understand how they may be able to interact and manage their diabetes. This in turn may help reduce some of the frustration that can occur when dealing with this chronic health condition.
Other ways in which a credentialed diabetes educator may be able to help in the management of diabetes include:
• Understanding medications, both for diabetes and other health conditions that may impact diabetes
• Side effects of medications
• Injecting insulin and other medicines to manage diabetes
• Using technology like CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) and interpreting information
• Interpreting results of blood glucose levels
• Addressing elevated HbA1c or time in range without guilt
• Understanding more about medicines used for diabetes and other health related conditions
• Developing skills for stress management
• Addressing frequent hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) or hypoglycemia during the night
• Sick day management and planning for surgery