Speaking Out For Diabetes Education

Guest Blogger:
Joan Bardsely MBA, RN CDE FAADE
Assistant Vice President, Nursing and Clinical Research Integration

I had the honor of being the “talent” at an event recently and it was a new experience for me!

I was a speaker at the recent “Swirl and Chords” event, held at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. I joined models and musicians to help bring awareness to the community on diabetes. This event benefited the American Diabetes Association.
 
It was a fantastic event and really highlighted the importance of education and awareness in our community. And since not everyone could attend, my speech is below.

I look forward to continuing to spread the message of education.


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It is a pleasure to be here at this marvelous event.
This event brings together a diverse group of people who can all have an impact on diabetes in our community. Each one of you came to see beautiful fashions, but also to support the efforts of American Diabetes Association. For that I thank you.  
Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I believe that education must be the weapon to change the impact of diabetes in our communities. Diabetes self-management education and support have been shown to impact control of diabetes as much as medication and only has the side effect of better health!  
It is not a onetime event. Research has shown that those who participate n diabetes education at diagnosis, annually, during transitions in care and if complications occur have the best outcomes. 
While most people understand that they have a choice in the fashions they wear, they are not always aware that they have a choice in taking control of their diabetes. Diabetes education is a standard of care as described by the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Diabetes educators want the best for all their patients. One of the things that makes me most upset is when I see someone for the time and they say after the visit: How come I wasn’t sent to an educator before? How come I didn’t know how to take better care of my diabetes?  
I would like you to walk away from this evening with something to share. Take with you the knowledge that there is a community of diabetes educators, providers and the ADA who want to help. For those with diabetes, ask your doctor for a referral. If you know someone with diabetes, ask if they have had the weapon of education. 
Help make education about the difference in our communities and the lives of people living with diabetes. 
Thank you and enjoy the show! 

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