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Colleen Symanski, R.N., Certified Diabetes Care and  Education Specialist (CDCES)

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Diabetes is not easy; but it can be better.

Colleen works with adults who have prediabetes, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, PCOS, or had Whipple surgery. She also works with clients who have insulin pumps and CGMs.

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Here’s why you want a CDCES on your team:

 

1. We see the you, a person, before we see the diabetes.

2. Our certification requires that we have a higher level of training and knowledge to help you with your diabetes care and education.

3. We have the knowledge and tools to help you with treatment options so you can make informed decisions about your diabetes care.

4. We have the skills to help you make decisions that can improve your health.

5. We understand that diabetes, its diagnosis, workload, and ever-changing state can be overwhelming, exhausting, and bring out many different emotions.

6. We know no one with diabetes wants poor health or complications; but almost everyone has barriers that make it hard to care for their diabetes at times.

7. We understand diabetes impacts every aspect of your life.

8. Our goal is to decrease your burden while helping you improve or maintain your health.

9. We look at all aspects of your life so we can help reduce costs, eliminate barriers, and embrace self-care based to fit your everyday needs and lifestyle.

10. It’s a passion for us.

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​Expect Comprehensive and One-to-One Care & Education on:

 

1. Diabetes pathophysiology and treatment options

2. Healthy eating, physical activity, and  medications

3. Monitoring and spending more time in range (one of my favorites)

4. Preventing, detecting, and treating acute complications like hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, &  ketoacidosis  

5. Plans for sick days, emergencies, disasters, and travel

6. Prevention and education on chronic complications

7. Coping and problem-solving tools especially during effort fatigue

8. Assistance with local & national resources

9. Access to a personal trainer, a chef, and yoga teacher; knowledgeable about diabetes

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A physician order is required and Colleen will assist you with that.

Colleen usually works with clients for 3 – 4 months and some clients just need 1 or two sessions.  We do not bill insurance but do offer a sliding scale. Home visits, evening and weekend appointments are available. ​

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"When I was first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes it was, to say the least, a very big shock and I was quickly overwhelmed with everyone (including my doctors) telling me how to manage it.  I was referred to A Healthier Me and I met with Colleen.  It was truly the best decision I ever made! Colleen has been very helpful in explaining, in laymen terms, what and how exactly diabetes affects me and my body.  It is an ongoing process as diabetes is a complicated disease and affects everyone differently.  My doctors have had some difficulty in getting my blood glucose under control and the right medicines for me to take.  Colleen has been there every step of the way, even talking with my doctors about my progress and what we are trying to achieve.  I would recommend Colleen and A Healthier Me to anyone who seeks and wants better health with diabetes!!"

Carole Melasi