Diabetic Health Coaches are part of the care team that helps manage patients’ diabetes.
“If a patient’s blood sugar is running super low or super high, we help to apply continuous glucose monitors,” says Tiffany Coleman, Diabetic Health Coach. “It helps regulate their blood sugar. It alarms them if they are drastically dropping or increasing to get the exercise or the insulin doses they need.”
In addition to glucose monitoring, CHC/SEK Diabetic Health Coaches assist patients in lowering their A1C, which is a person’s average blood sugar in the last 91 days.
“It shows how things have been going, if their medication’s doing what it needs to do or if their blood sugar is fluctuating,” Tiffany says. “We would like an A1C to be at a seven or below. That’s our ultimate goal, and I have seen huge numbers greater than 14 decrease in the last six months. I’ve had a few that are around four, which is phenomenal for a type one diabetic.”
Patients are given exercise tools and suggestions for routines to help bring their A1Cs down. The diabetic health coaches also help with pumps and pump supplies, prior authorizations, and communication with the pharmacy.
Persistence and consistency are key, Tiffany says, for both the patient and the coach.
“If we have patients that we don’t see as regularly or they miss an appointment, I will call them and say, ‘Why did we miss this appointment, and what can I do to help?’ she says, adding that if need be, she goes to them to help get their sensors changed and consult with them. Sometimes, Tiffany finds that the patients need assistance with food or have household needs. She helps connect them with resources so that they can focus on their A1C goals.
“I absolutely love what I do. I’m here for the patients,” Tiffany says. “It’s very rewarding to see the numbers change for all those people that have struggled or have been on a roller coaster for so long, for them to come into CHC and to be seen and to see those numbers decrease has been phenomenal.”
Call to learn more about CHC/SEK and its Diabetic Health Coaches here.