Diabetes Educators
March 01, 2003
Definately take advantage of Diabetes Educators.
I would caution though, that you look at the program. I was first sent to a company that educates in 2 8-hour days, in a classroom situation. They went out of business shortly after I took the class, so the majority of the benefits -- having someone to call and talk to when I had problems was not available.
The other problem is that to cover that material in such a long time period, they had to drive everything to the ground. The whole process was exhausting.
I went to a second company a few weeks ago. This one was organized MUCH better, and I recommend going to this type of diabetes education. This was one on one, 5 hours total.
The diabetes educators are going to tell you things you aren't ready to hear. You are going to want to cry or have someother type of emotional outburst. That is hard in front of a group. Much easier on a one-on-one situation. You can also freer to talk about private concerns.
Also pay attention to everything. I'm Type 2, and was originally put on pills, so I zoned out when the original diabetes educators went over insulin. BIG mistake on my part.
Read as much as you can about diabetes. Everyone is different and everyone goes with this in a different way, and the more you know, the more power you have to control the situation, rather than feeling like you are being controlled.
Do ask your doctor if you don't like their advice. I've heard of one person whose CDE said she shouldn't test as much. Amount of testing should be between you, your doctor, and maybe your checkbook.
And I'm in constant disagreement with the dietician, but then I know how to lose weight -- at least without insulin. That story is worth another entry too.