Southcoast Helps People Manage
Diabetes and Live Healthier Lives

Nancy Menard, of Tiverton, R.I., thought she could manage her diabetes herself; and for several years she did a fair job with it.

"My glucose levels weren't great," she said. "But they were OK."

Then her infusion pump -- a device that delivers insulin 24 hours a day through a catheter placed under the skin -- failed while she was on vacation. Even after the pump's manufacturer sent her a new one, she could not control her glucose levels. Her doctor suggested she go to the Southcoast Diabetes Management Program.

"I was reluctant to do it, but I went," Menard said. "And the experience has been wonderful. The trainers are so knowledgeable."

The Importance of Diabetes Education

Geraldine Santos, Team Leader of the program and Menard's trainer, taught her how different carbohydrates affect the blood sugar in different ways and how fats can raise the blood sugar.

"The program is beneficial to everyone. Even people who have had diabetes for years, like Nancy, are usually surprised by how much they can learn," Santos said. "Diabetes cannot be cured, but education can help people live healthier lives."

Diabetes mellitus is a complex chronic illness that requires care and education to prevent the potential complications it can cause.

"The majority of people don't realize how serious a disease diabetes can be," Santos said. "Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, wounds that will not heal and loss of limbs."

A Resource for People with Diabetes

Southcoast Diabetes Management Program is an American Diabetes Association certified program. Education is offered in small group sessions or individually, as necessary. The program addresses all aspects of diabetes selfmanagement, including meal planning, medication management, complications of diabetes and much more.

Menard attends the program once a week and enjoys the atmosphere so much she now also volunteers in the office.

"With Gerry's help, my blood sugar is under control," Menard said. "Now we are working on getting it perfect."