Preventative Care Pays Dividends for Diabetes Patients

Preventative care is a concept that everyone can get behind.

From changing the oil in the car to flossing our teeth, if faced with the alternatives, we’d rather have a car that lasts and a full set of teeth to go with it! The same goes for managing diabetes. Fortunately, there are resources nearby to keep you on track. Laurie Osier, RDN, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) at Aspen Valley Hospital, and the Aspen Valley Primary Care practice in Aspen and Basalt, are both bringing new technologies and expertise to managing diabetes.

“Being proactive and learning skills is key. By managing diabetes effectively, you can reduce your healthcare costs and your risk of complications while feeling confident about your care and your future,” says Osier.

 

Stay ahead of the curve.

A Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist can help you:

• Learn about continuous glucose monitoring technologies that allow for “no fingerstick” monitoring and a window into your daily glucose patterns. You can use our system for a 10-day evaluation or receive help finding your own. All information gathered goes to your primary care physician.
• Tap into savings programs that enable you to get medications at an affordable price.
• For Medicare patients: Connect to 10 hours of Diabetes Self-management and Support Training (DSMT) and 3 hours of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in your first year of referral. Each year after, you can receive 2 hours DSMT and 3 hours MNT to keep up on your evolving needs.

Point-of-care advancements.

Aspen Valley Primary Care meets the needs of diabetic patients, with a focus on effective management of diabetes. Their point-of-care hemoglobin A1c machine allows staff to check hemoglobin A1c in the office and make adjustments during patient appointments. The Primary Care practice often refers patients to Laurie Osier, RDN, for diabetes education.

Aspen Valley Primary Care has helped 91% of their diabetic patients maintain their goal hemoglobin A1c levels since the beginning of the year.

 

One hour.

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, that is all the time you need to start getting informed, motivated and inspired to move forward in your life.

“Diabetes can be a very emotional diagnosis. Many patients come to us feeling scared, guilty or confused,” Osier said. “Our goal is to meet people where they are and empower them with information and resources to live long, strong and healthy with diabetes.”

Typically, Osier meets with first-time patients for about an hour to learn about their concerns, questions and goals. This is followed by two or three additional visits during the next six months, gradually educating patients about healthy eating and meal planning, physical activity, medication us, preventing complications, staying healthy and the latest diabetes technologies. Ultimately, most patients shift to having annual check-ins with Osier so together they can review treatment plans, challenges and progress toward goals.

Diabetes Self -Management Education Program offerings, in Aspen and Basalt, offer support for:

• Type 1 Diabetes
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Gestational Diabetes
• Continuous Glucose Monitor Program (CGM)

Professional CGM is an exciting addition to the program’s offerings, allowing people with diabetes to experience and experiment with new technologies.

Established in 1999 and recognized by the American Diabetes Association, the Diabetes Education Program offers comprehensive self-management, education and support services for people living with all types of diabetes—and those with pre-diabetes working on prevention. Diabetes treatment and technologies are rapidly evolving, so regular visits with a certified diabetes care and education specialist are vital for the best health outcomes.

To register for our Diabetes Education Program, call 970.544.7394 (Spanish: 970.544.1543). Programs are offered in Aspen and Basalt, and we accept Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. To learn more, visit our Diabetes Education page or Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Tips.