When Nicole Gettridge was diagnosed with diabetes, she was motivated to face her diagnosis head-on by talking to her doctor about her options. She wasn't sure where to begin. And, at times, she felt overwhelmed until she was referred to Ascension St. Vincent's One Nineteen. It was there where Nicole found the care and resources she needed all in one location.
Ascension St. Vincent's One Nineteen is a health and wellness facility that connects patients to medical specialties, outpatient surgery, a gym, a spa and wellness services.
A comprehensive approach to diabetes management
"The incredibly supporting staff at Ascension St. Vincent's One Nineteen helped me lower my A1C and developed a meal plan to help manage my diabetes and weight loss," explained Nicole. "I received nutrition counseling and participated in the diabetes fitness program. The staff has motivated and inspired me to make healthier food choices and remain physically active."
Ascension St. Vincent's One Nineteen offers those living with diabetes a well-rounded approach to diabetes management. The program pairs you with a personal trainer who helps create a fitness program specifically for you. You are also connected to diabetes education and nutrition specialists.
"We're able to offer a holistic plan to address diabetes and how to manage it," said Chelsea Henderson, Fitness Member Navigator at Ascension St. Vincent's One Nineteen. "I connect our diabetes patients with a 12-week medical fitness program designed to help those with diabetes."
The program includes time with a nutrition specialist, such as registered dietitian Donna Sibley. Dietitians take the time to explain the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates and how they affect your health. You'll also learn about macronutrients, eating out, using convenience foods, grocery shopping, meal prep, snacking, meal services and emotional eating.
"We work to meet people where they are, nutritionally. We take what they're eating and make simple swaps and changes so that real change is achievable," said Sibley.
Talk to a doctor for preventive care and diabetes management
Care teams at Ascension St. Vincent's help you manage your diabetes. Whether you are pre-diabetic or at significant risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
"The staggering part about the statistics is that roughly 90 to 95 percent of those cases represent Type 2 diabetes, which is often preventable," said Dr. Allison Chappell, primary care physician at Ascension St. Vincent's Greystone Village. "My hope as a provider is to help educate patients about the dangers of diabetes and also help patients make meaningful lifestyle changes that can often decrease their likelihood of developing diabetes."
Diabetes is commonly associated with serious health complications like stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, blindness and sometimes loss of limbs.
Symptoms of diabetes include:
- Blurry or worsening vision
- Extreme fatigue
- Feeling hungry often
- Feeling thirsty
- Frequent urination
- Pain or numbness in the hands or feet
- Wounds that are slow to heal and tingling
"Most people who are pre-diabetic have no idea, but if we can catch these symptoms early, we have a much greater chance of helping patients implement lifestyle changes before a condition worsens," said Dr. Chappell.
Personalized care for diabetes at Ascension St. Vincent's
At Ascension St. Vincent's One Nineteen, the diabetes prevention programs offer comprehensive outpatient services if you're at risk of developing diabetes. Your care team will review your health history, make sure you understand your diagnoses and treatment options, and create a personalized care plan that helps you meet your goals.
If you have prediabetes or believe you are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, you may be eligible for this program. Let us help you make lasting changes to improve your health and prevent Type 2 diabetes.
To take part in the medical fitness program and nutrition counseling at Ascension St. Vincent's One Nineteen, call 205-408-6516. Ascension St. Vincent's has appointments available for diabetes management counseling. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 205-939-7248. Referrals are required and can be faxed to 205-930-2931.