If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, our diabetes management program
is designed to give you the information and support you need. We team
up with your doctor to help you and your family learn how to manage your
diabetes effectively.
Our group of diabetes experts, including nurses and dietitians, will work
closely with you. This can be through personal sessions or small group
meetings, spanning about three months. Together, we'll create a plan that
suits your requirements. This timeframe allows you to put your newfound
knowledge into practice and develop healthier routines.
Our services have been recognized and endorsed by the
American Diabetes Association (ADA). Our educators, who are experienced registered nurses and dietitians,
specialize in guiding participants to effectively manage their diabetes.
Living Well With Diabetes Program
Topics Include:
Making healthy eating choices and effective meal planning
Understanding food labels
Engaging in exercises for improved health
Keeping track of your blood sugar levels
Finding the right balance between food, exercise, and medications
Preventing complications
Navigating dining out successfully
Developing healthy coping mechanisms and effective problem-solving skills
We offer a series of small group sessions or one-on-one appointments, spread
out over approximately three months. This approach allows for gradual
changes in behavior and practical learning.
Enhance Your Diabetes Management - Embrace Technology
This program is specifically created to educate and assist those who rely
on insulin to achieve their blood glucose goals. You will gain insights
into adjusting your insulin based on your eating and exercise routines.
Our services are personalized to your requirements and include:
Carbohydrate counting
Continuous glucose monitoring
Insulin pump training
"Elsa and the MWHC Diabetes Management program have exceeded all my
expectations. My A1C was 10.9 when I was diagnosed (type 2 and fatty liver
disease) and was down to 5.4 after 4 months! My triglycerides plummeted
from 571+ to 192, and I've lost close to 10 pounds already. My primary
care doctor already took me off one diabetes medication. Beyond the numbers,
Elsa gave me the confidence and tools to make smart food choices at home
and eating out. After the initial shock of being diagnosed at age 32,
I feel like I have my life back. Can't recommend her and the team there
enough." -John
Scheduling (for all locations):
To schedule these services, please get in touch with us at
540.741.2210. A doctor's referral is necessary. Most insurance plans, including Medicare,
cover the cost of Diabetes Self-Management training. We advise you to
check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage. Additionally,
virtual appointments through audio and video are available as an alternative option.
Our team of skilled clinicians are experts in diabetes management and are
here to help you continue your journey towards better health. With a wealth
of knowledge and experience, we offer personalized education tailored
to your specific goals for success. Working together with you, your family,
and your doctor, our diabetes team will create a customized care plan
just for you.
Stefanie Rekdal, BS, RD, CDCES, CPT* Team Leader & Diabetes Educator
BS in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University
Dietetic Internship - Virginia State University
Over 25 years of experience as a dietitian
Over 20 years experience as a CDCES
MWH Employee of the Month July 2015
Specializes in renal nutrition and insulin pumps/CGM therapy
Stefanie enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys and creating
greeting cards.
Jody Long, MS, RD, CDCES* Diabetes Educator
MS in Poultry Science Texas A&M University
BS in Animal Science University of Illinois
Dietetic Internship – Houston VA Hospital
Over 25 years of experience as a dietitian
Specializes in adult nutrition and weight loss management
Jody enjoys yoga, cycling, hiking, gardening, and spending time with the
cows, emus, and chickens on 30 acre farm.
Elsa Nicholson, BS, RD* Diabetes and Nutrition Educator
BS in Dietetics, University of Maryland
Dietetic Internship - Virginia Tech
8 years of experience as a dietitian
Elsa enjoys teaching and practicing yoga in her free time. She is also
an instinctive meditation coach who understands the importance of finding
stillness and engaging in meditation in today’s fast-paced world.
Parminder Singh, BSN, RN, CDCES* Diabetes Educator
BS in Nursing from University of Mary Washington
20 years of experience as an RN
Specializes in cardiac care
Parminder enjoys visiting her homeland of Scotland with her husband and
two children, and hiking.
Courtney Wilkerson, BSN, RN, CDCES* Diabetes Educator
BS in Nursing from George Mason University
5 years of experience as an RN
Associate of the Month April 2021
Courtney enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and cat; vegetable
gardening; and playing trivia games.
Sarah Whitson, BS, RD, CDCES* Diabetes Educator
BS in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise from Virginia Tech
Dietetic Internship - Virginia Department of Health
8 years of experience as a dietitian
Sarah likes cycling and cooking, and enjoys spending time with her husband,
two boys, and two dogs.
Gitte Lett Diabetes Service Specialist
Mary Washington Associate for over 20 years providing outstanding customer
service and program support
Gitte likes to bake and cook, enjoys spending time with her husband, four
children, and two dogs and traveling to her homeland of Denmark.
*BS Bachelor of Science
MS Master of Science
RD Registered Dietitian
CDCES Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
CPT Certified Pump Trainer
BSN Bachelor of Science Nursing
RN Registered Nurse
The
American Diabetes Association offers a monthly
Ask the Experts series where they cover a different topic every month. Past topics have included
healthy eating, preventing and treating heart disease, being active, eye
care and more.
Kids for a Cure Club - Support group for children with Type 1 Diabetes and their parents.
For any questions or information regarding support groups and special events,
call us at
540.741.2210.
