Diabetes Education

Diabetes Self-Management Education includes basic information to help a person with diabetes manage it. We give you the knowledge and skills you need to live the longest, healthiest life possible, and we work with you to find out what works with your lifestyle. The goal is to help you or your loved one with diabetes prevent or delay the long-term problems caused by high blood sugars.

If you’ve never had diabetes education, topics include:

• What diabetes is
• How diabetes is treated or managed
• Basic nutrition information
• Blood sugars targets that are right for you and why
• How to prevent complications from high or low blood sugar
• How diabetes changes over time
• How to take diabetes medication safely

Beyond basic diabetes education, we also see people with diabetes who:

• Might need help controlling blood sugars
• Need a refresher of diabetes management skills
• Want to discuss treatment options

Another service is also recommended for all patients with diabetes. That service is Medical Nutrition Therapy, or MNT. MNT is nutrition guidance that is much more individualized and in-depth than the nutrition education provided in diabetes education. A doctor, and in some cases, a nurse practitioner can order MNT for you.

Diabetes education at Winona Health is provided by dietitian and/or certified diabetes care and education specialist. Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist indicates the educator has been nationally recognized for expertise in Diabetes Self-Management Education.

Most insurance companies cover Diabetes Self-Management Training (or Education) when it is ordered by the provider you see for diabetes. Check with your insurance company to see if you are eligible.

Medicare recipients are covered for diabetes education received through this accredited program. Medicare coverage provides:

• 10 hours of initial diabetes education to individuals who have not previously received diabetes education with Medicare insurance
• Two hours of follow-up diabetes education each year

Soon after your healthcare provider recommends diabetes education for you, you will receive a call to set up an appointment. Diabetes education is provided by appointment at Winona Health, on the second floor of the clinic.

Diabetes and Nutrition Education staff members are also involved in community activities. Events include:

• Health and wellness fairs
• Community organizations
• Professional organizations

Theresa Hoyles RD, CDCES

I’ve been a registered dietitian for about 20 years and certified diabetes care and education specialist since 2015. I love trying foods from different cultures and a favorite food is vegetarian Indian curry. In my free time, I enjoy being active outdoors rollerblading, biking, or downhill skiing. My husband and daughters are used to me reminding them to “Make sure you eat your fruits and veggies!” That’s because I love them and want to help them stay healthy – and I want to help you, too!

Listen as Theresa Hoyles, Winona Health’s Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, discusses diabetes and how Winona Health can help individuals manage the disease through nutrition and education.

Elizabeth Iverson RDN, LDN

I enjoy working with patients in both the hospital and clinic to help them understand how food affects their health and how they feel. That might mean helping them manage health conditions through nutrition – or helping individuals to incorporate more health-promoting eating behaviors into their lives to improve their overall well-being. In my free time, I enjoy thrifting, trying new restaurants, playing video games, and hanging out with my husband and our cats.

Cindy Olson RD, LD

I have been a registered dietitian for the past 18 years. In this time, I have enjoyed my work in both long-term care and dialysis. I have always had a strong interest in renal nutrition and have enjoyed working with patients in this capacity because there is always something new to learn! When not at work, I keep busy with my family. We enjoy hiking, biking and boating together. I also love to bake, try new restaurants, play golf, and watch sports — especially women’s college basketball and the Milwaukee Brewers.