Diabetes Champion to Discuss Insulin Myths, Realities

Fort HealthCare welcomes, Doreen Bugai, an insulin-dependent diabetic as she presents “Understanding Insulin: Myths & Realities.” She will discuss how insulin has helped her manage her diabetes and control her blood sugar.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1980, she has become a member and Champion in the sanofi-aventis U.S. A1C Champions Program®. The A1C Champions® Program, sponsored by sanofi-aventis U.S., is a patient-led approach to diabetes education. A1C Champions® are people with diabetes who share diabetes self-management and lifestyle strategies based on extensive training and their personal experience. The A1C test shows an individual’s average blood sugar level over the past two or three months. It is the best way to see how well one’s diabetes treatment plan is working.

An A1C Champion’s primary role is to conduct empowering presentations for other people with diabetes, their family and friends. In these patient-to-patient presentations, an A1C Champion talks about his or her physical, emotional and psychological experiences with diabetes. By sharing personal insights and helpful approaches with others, A1C Champions® help empower others to make the right choices in taking care of their diabetes.

The program is a patient led approach to diabetes education. Bugai has first-hand understanding of the challenges that are faced managing diabetes. She has experienced the same fears and uncertainties many people have about using insulin. Her insight will be especially useful for many diabetics, both those recently diagnosed and those who have been coping with their condition for many years.

Bugai travels here from Pennsylvania to share her story about controlling her blood sugar with insulin and explain how you can work with your provider to find the most appropriate course of treatment. In addition, she will cover misconceptions about insulin and why it is not a sign of failure to use this important medication. She will offer advice and answer questions to help you better prepare for discussions with your healthcare provider.

This session should prove extremely valuable for those unsure about their A1C, those questioning the use of insulin to treat diabetes and anyone who helps in the treatment or support of people with diabetes.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that nearly 24 million people in the United States have diabetes or, approximately eight percent of the population. Of those, 40 percent are not achieving the American Diabetes Association recommendation of an A1C below seven percent.

To learn more about insulin use and A1C tests, join Bugai on Monday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fort Memorial Hospital Auditorium. For questions, contact Fort HealthCare’s diabetic educator, Rhonda Perdelwitz, RN, at (920) 568-5247 or rhonda.perdelwitz@forthc.com.