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Diabetes is one of the leading chronic diseases among Parkland patients, according to the 2022
Dallas County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). For many people, a new diabetes
diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Questions about lifestyle changes, medications, nutrition and
blood sugar checks often come all at once.

Parkland Health’s diabetes experts believe no one should face those questions alone. Our team is
here to provide real support from the very beginning of a patient’s health journey.

“Far too many people in our community are living with diabetes without the guidance they need.
We wanted to be that helping hand, especially for those who can’t get to their doctor right away.

It’s about meeting people where they are and making sure no one feels alone in managing their
health,” said Senior Registered Nurse Regina Wren, MBA, BSN, RN-BC.

That is why the Diabetes CHNA Initiative at Parkland offers educational classes through the
Let’s Talk Diabetes program. These classes are available at several locations throughout Dallas
County and are led by Wren and Mary Beth Robinson, MS, RD/LD, CDES, Diabetes Education
Specialist and Registered Dietitian.

“This program provides resources and builds a bridge to patients’ providers so that they can get their diabetes under control.”

— Wren Robinson, MS, RD/LD, CDES, Diabetes Education Specialist and Registered Dietician

The classes cover key topics such as:

• What is diabetes? Understanding diabetes, recognizing symptoms, knowing your
  numbers and goals.
• What can I do? Learning simple steps to manage your blood sugar and health.

Education is often the turning point in a patient’s health. According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), people who received diabetes education were more likely to
follow self-care practices such as checking blood sugar and foot sores daily and getting regular
physical activity. Receiving information from a diabetes education specialist is one of the best
first steps to managing diabetes.

“It is confusing for someone who does not know anything about diabetes to just go online and
get pieces of information,” said Robinson. “Having an expert that can really see the big picture
and personalizes the education portion to the patient is everything.”

Visit www.parklanddiabetes.com/diabetes/lets-talk-diabetes to find the list of locations to learn how to manage diabetes.

The post Let’s Talk Diabetes: Real Life. Real Tips. Real Support. appeared first on Dallas Weekly.