TROY – Tracy Schneider knows that being a diabetic is challenging, but also believes that it is easier to deal with when she is provided with accurate information.
Schneider, a registered nurse, teaches free monthly courses on treating your diabetes at Upper Valley Medical Center. The next courses will take place on July 1, August 3, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and September 1 and October 5, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“One of the most common comments I hear is, ‘I don’t want to become a diabetic.’ I hear that more than ever, ”she said. “It’s a challenge. I’m also a diabetic.”
That fact helps her educate others about the disease, Schneider said.
“I think being a diabetic helps me relate to them,” she said. Diet and exercise, which help her lose 20 pounds, have allowed Schneider to come off the medication.
The four-hour Managing Your Diabetes courses include a two-hour presentation from Schneider, followed by two hours from a nutritionist. One goal is to focus on information for daily life.
The lessons are open to everyone. All you are asked to do is inform tailors that they are coming so that they can have adequate materials.
“You don’t have to be new. They could be long-time diabetic just wanting more information or just someone with an interest, ”she said.
The participants are invited to bring a companion who lives in the same household and helps with shopping and food preparation or is on the way to becoming a diabetic.
“There are so many people with diabetes that they don’t even know. If you don’t get blood tests, you may not know, ”Schneider said.
Information is key to a diabetic’s wellbeing, she said.
In addition to teaching in the UVMC classes and in the community such as the Y, Schneider offers one-to-one tuition with hospital and outpatient patients. It takes time to educate a newly diagnosed diabetic in the hospital about blood glucose meters and other aspects of diabetes care, Schneider said.
She likes to step in on behalf of the bedside nurses to provide such training. She also worked with colleagues who dealt with diabetes problems.
Schneider is working on certification in diabetes awareness.
“I thought I knew about diabetes. When I got into that role, I learned a lot more, ”she said.
COVID-19 affected the eating habits of many people. Schneider said she has questions from people with diabetes who want to know more about how to eat healthily when some groceries are not available in stores or through free grocery distribution.
Schneider said she is constantly on the lookout for resources like nutritional supplements for those who may not be able to afford them or the distribution of meters to help raise awareness. She suggested farmers markets as possible sources of healthy food.
For more information on managing your diabetes classes or to register, call 937-440-4526 or 937-440-4733.
Tracy Schneider, a registered nurse, is discussing diabetes materials with a participant in the Upper Valley Medical Center Diabetes Management Course.
