by Jane Adams
Did you know that insulin was discovered 100 years ago by Dr. Frederick Banting? The impact has been life-changing, but there is still more to do to educate everyone about diabetes and support those with the illness.
In the Eastern Counties, more than 1 in 10 people live with Diabetes. At Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH), our Diabetes Education Team is working to help local residents manage this chronic condition – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. A key part of that care is patient education.
This is Diabetes Awareness Month and the theme for World Diabetes Day is ‘access to diabetic care.’
“As the pandemic continues, our team is adapting, and developing new ways to help people living with diabetes in the area. Diabetes doesn’t go away in a pandemic. In fact, it can make things more difficult for some,” notes Deirdre Cooke, Registered Dietitian and founder of the WDMH program.
WDMH’s Diabetes Education Program was created in 1998 and is free of charge. The team includes a registered nurse, two registered dietitians, and an administrative clerk. An endocrinologist is on site three times a month.
The program provides education to people living with both type 2 and type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, as well as people on insulin pumps or diagnosed with pre-diabetes.
Over the past 18 months, the WDMH team has been embracing technology to meet patient needs. Patients are being reached through phone calls or virtual visits through the Ontario Telemedicine (OTN) or Zoom. We are also partnering with other health care organizations to explore on-line teaching and the use of videos.
Whether you have pre-diabetes, are newly diagnosed with diabetes, or even if you’ve been living with diabetes for years, WDMH has an education program that will fit your needs.
Physician referrals are not required to participate in the program. If you have questions, please call 613-774-2420, ext. 6765 or email diabetes@wdmh.on.ca.
