Don’t Let Diabetes Define You

Canadian Diabetes Association celebrates National Certified Diabetes Educator Day

National Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) Day on Nov. 2 is an opportunity for all Canadians living with diabetes to honour the important work carried out by diabetes educators.

Registered nurse and CDE at the Prince Albert Diabetes Education Centre, Lori Nelson knows the effects of diabetes both professionally and personally. “I spent years seeing the aftermath of poor blood sugar control with wounds and blood circulation problems” says Lori. “Most families would find it hard to say diabetes hasn’t affected some family members. My family is not any different with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in my extended family.”

Lori says the best feeling is shaking the hand of a person with diabetes who comes to her office distraught, but who leaves with renewed confidence to manage their health.

One of her patients is Alana Toles, 22, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 10. “I really struggled when I was younger—it was tough being thrown into this disease for the rest of my life where I did nothing to get it, and nothing could make it go away. My blood sugars were all over the place for a very long time,” says Alana. “I was also bullied in elementary school and diabetes became the focal point of many jokes.”

She met Lori at a time when she wanted to take control of her diabetes. Lori worked with her to start her on an insulin pump last year. Prior to that, Alana was taking up to eight insulin injections a day. “Together, we have had a lot of success,” adds Alana. “I remind myself I am doing the best I can to manage my disease, and try not to judge myself—and Lori has helped me do that. She gives me strength and courage for those hard days.”

“Diabetes educators are empowering partners to help people with diabetes live well as they are often the health-care provider who sees them the most,” says Rick Blickstead, Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) president and CEO. “The CDA works closely with diabetes educators all across Canada—we value the unique and crucial role they have in providing care and support to those with diabetes.”

To share a story of how a diabetes educator has impacted your life positively, visit facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation or twitter.com/DiabetesAssoc.

About Diabetes Awareness Month
One in three Canadians already has diabetes or prediabetes and many don’t know it, so the need for prevention is greater than ever. By taking a short online type 2 diabetes risk test at DiabetesTest.ca, people can start to take charge of their health!

About the 21 Day Challenge to End Diabetes

Join thousands of like-minded Canadians for the 21 Day Challenge to End Diabetes by starting a new healthy habit to raise vital funds for the Canadian Diabetes Association. Sign-up at 21DaysforDiabetes.ca.

About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) is the registered national charity that helps the 11 million Canadians with diabetes or prediabetes live healthy lives, and educates those at risk. In communities across Canada, the CDA:

• offers educational programs and support services;
• develops resources to health-care professionals on best practices to care for people with diabetes;
• advocates with those affected by diabetes to governments, schools and workplaces; and
• funds research to improve treatments and find a cure.

For more information, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).