Education is key to blood sugar control for Buffalo man

Wayne Cross was diagnosed as a diabetic in 1985 and became insulin dependent a year later. He received minimal education on controlling his diabetes at the time, and even when he got an insulin pump it wasn’t much better.

It was only when he was told he needed heart surgery that his daughter-in-law, a nurse, suggested he see Endocrinologist Dr. Thomas Repas at Campbell County Medical Group (CCMG). All of Dr. Repas’ patients see the diabetes educators at CCMG as part of their care, and it was a revelation for Wayne.

“They asked me all these questions,” said Wayne. “I had never counted carbs before, and they showed me more about my insulin pump than anyone had ever done before.”

Wayne had his heart surgery four months ago and has since lost 35 pounds. He is now able to walk up a flight of stairs without worrying whether he’ll make it. And he has better blood sugar control than he’s had in 27 years. In fact, he’s been able to decrease the amount of insulin he takes, which is a plus for his long-term health.

“You can really get good control with education,” said Wayne. “My daughter says she can put her arms around me now, and that’s a great feeling.”

Anyone who wants to learn more about living with diabetes should attend the upcoming free seminar, Living Well with Diabetes on Tuesday, October 11 from 8 am-12 pm at the Gillette College Tech Center, 3251 4-J Road. A variety of presenters will be there to tell their stories and answer your questions, including:

• What’s on the horizon for diabetes?, by Thomas Repas, DO, CCMG Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
• Day to Day Management of Diabetes, by Alicia LePard, APRN, High Desert Healthcare
• Taking Control of Your Diabetes, by Scott Simmons, a diabetes patient and member of the A1C Champions program
• Dominating Diabetes with Activity, by Rachel Wilde, Health Coach at CCH Wellness.

“This is a great opportunity for people with diabetes to learn about the latest research and medications available,” said Kim Handley, RD, LD, CDE. “It’s also a way for newly diagnosed people, or people who have been living with diabetes for a while to get some tips and new motivation to take better control of their health.”

Free educational materials, healthy snacks and vendor exhibits round out the seminar. Call 307-688-3615 to register.

For more information about CCH's Diabetes Education program, please visit www.cchwyo.org/diabetes, or call 307-688-3615.