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Diabetes Education

Diabetes

Finding out you have diabetes can be overwhelming. But the first thing you should know is this: you’re not alone. We are here to help.

Whether you’ve just learned you have diabetes or have been managing it for years, consider our diabetes educators your coaches. We help you through all the information and can work with you to help manage your diabetes. And that’s important.

In doing so, you’ll reduce your chance of developing the serious complications of diabetes, including heart disease, dental disease, eye disorders, kidney disease, nerve damage, and lower leg amputation. Only in learning about diabetes can you successfully manage your disease, and that, in turn, will help you live a full, joyful, healthy life. With the potential complications listed above, it’s only natural to have some fear of your diabetes. There’s also the fear of how it will change your life. And simply the fear of the unknown.

Rest assured, your health is our #1 priority. So, take a deep breath, and let’s take this one step at a time.

Call to Make an Appointment​

Mon – Fri

8:00 am – 5:00 pm

1450 Eastside Road, Platteville, WI
(2nd Entrance)
(608) 342-4709

Providers

Our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist can provide you individual personalized help with:

Our diabetes expert is eager to help people around southwest Wisconsin learn about diabetes. Education helps everyone live better. If your community group or school class might benefit from learning more, our educator is available free of charge to tailor a presentation. Call us at 608-342-4709 for information.

Meet Our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists

Katelyn Schobert, RD, grew up in Southwest Wisconsin, living in Belmont before completing her undergraduate degree in Dietetics at University of Wisconsin-Stout. After her undergraduate degree, she completed an internship in Dietetics through UW Health Hospital and Clinics. In May 2021, she completed her Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition from University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also obtained her Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist credentials in August 2022.  Katelyn is excited to bring her expertise in nutrition back her community with the goal of helping create a healthier southwest Wisconsin.

Danielle Leibfried, RN is very familiar with this area and patient population as she grew up on a dairy farm in southwest Wisconsin. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Edgewood College in Madison, WI, she worked as a nurse for several years in South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin before settling back near her hometown and pursuing a Master’s of Science in Nursing Education degree from St. Xavier University in Chicago. When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, cooking from scratch, and doing just about anything in nature. She has a strong passion for sharing knowledge about health and wellness and guiding the people in the local community to become the healthiest version of themselves.

 

Our Diabetes Education Program

The Diabetes Education Program at Southwest Health helps countless people. Our program meets all the national standards of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and is an ADA recognized program. From monitoring your blood sugar to taking medications to choosing healthier foods to getting the right physical activity and all the little things along the way, we’re here to help you learn and live well. We’re here for you. Please contact your Primary Care Provider if you would like a referral to our Diabetes Education Program, or contact our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist.

Ongoing Support

Getting support when you have diabetes is critical. Why? Because connecting with others makes you more informed. Hearing from others also re-energizes you and motivates you to do the important job of taking good care of your health. Talking with others also eases anxiety about having diabetes. That’s why we created our Diabetes Support Group open to everyone. The group is part class and part discussion and all about supporting you with the information and motivation you need to live well and thrive. Our group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. During that hour you can count on us delivering important updates about diabetes treatment, offering an educational presentation for you to absorb, and engaging the group in discussion. Whether you listen to speak up, that one hour each month will help keep you on track and motivated. And whether you come sometimes or all the time, you’ll always find the Diabetes Support Group to be warm and welcoming. Everyone, including family members, is invited to join us.

Upcoming 2024 Classes:
 January 17February 21March 20
April 17May 15June 19
July 17August 21September 18
October 16November 20December 18
Upcoming 2025 Classes:
 January 15 February 19 March 19
April 16May 21June 18
July 16August 20September 17 
October 15November 19 December 17 

What Can You Expect From Our Diabetes Educator

The plain fact is everyone with diabetes needs diabetes education. Why on Earth is that? Because diabetes is complicated, and everyday simple activities affect it. Your blood sugar changes with what you eat… and with what you don’t eat. It changes with your activity levels — what you do, how hard you do it and how long you do it. Your body’s insulin (which you’ll learn all about) also affects your blood sugar — your dose, the type of insulin, and when you take it relative to eating, exercising and resting. Even stress and changes in your daily routine may affect your blood sugar levels. These things all change your blood sugar levels, and you will need to understand how to stabilize your blood sugar under all these circumstances. The more you know, the healthier you will be. Your diabetes educator will help you learn how to take good care of yourself. She will guide you through your treatment and help you with any fears, issues, and problems you encounter along the way.

Other Things You Need To Know

Managing your diabetes requires testing and supplies. So, it’s important to find the best possible, most affordable health plan — one that covers diabetes-related medications and supplies, beginning with a glucose meter and test strips. If you’re not already covered, you’ll need to look into coverage, and we can help. On our Patient Financial Services staff are health care insurance navigators and others who can help.

A Final Word

Finding out you have diabetes can feel like it’s turning your life upside down. You may feel overwhelmed, angry or in disbelief. To help you cope with this new diagnosis, it is important to learn all you can about diabetes and how to manage it. Here are a few brief tips on doing just that:

Lastly, give us a call to set up the first consultation. Call (608) 342-4709.