WELCOME!! 

The Montana Diabetes Program would like to welcome Angie Brakefield as the new Health Education Specialist for MDP. With a passion for public health and safety, Angie is committed to Montana communities. Angie come to us with a background in Community Integrated Health and Emergency Medical Services. Angie is looking forward to being a part of the Montana Diabetes Program team and aims to make a meaning impact in her role.   

We’ve officially said goodbye to the word “diabetic” and to saying you can “control” diabetes. For people living with diabetes, the language we use affects their motivation, self-care behaviors and outcomes. How health care professionals talk to and about people with diabetes plays an important role in how people think about and engage in their own self-care, treatment plans, outcomes, and psychosocial well-being.

Experts in the field of diabetes came together in 2017 to write a joint paper which outlines recommendations for enhancing communication about and with people with diabetes. The Use of Language in Diabetes Care and Education | Diabetes Care | American Diabetes Association (diabetesjournals.org) 

They used 4 key principles:

1. Diabetes is complex, challenging, and has many variables that influence the condition
2. All members of the healthcare team can better serve the person with diabetes by employing a respectful, person-centered approach
3. Diabetes can carry with it a stigma for many people and can add to stress and feelings of shame and judgment
4. The way we communicate, including person-first, strengths-based, empowering language can help improve motivation and well-being for people with diabetes

So, what does this mean and how do we change how we talk to and about people with diabetes?  Firstly, instead of “diabetic,” you can use “person with diabetes,” or “person living with diabetes.” Put the person first and don’t label someone by their condition. 

How about the words “control,” “compliant,” or “adherent?”  Control in diabetes is almost virtually impossible when there are so many factors that are beyond a person’s (actual) control. And compliance and adherence indicate doing what someone else wants, which is not a person-first strategy. Instead, focus on neutral words and physiology, and facts versus judgements. Saying “She takes insulin when she can afford it” instead of “She is noncompliant with her insulin regimen.”

For a quick guidance document, please see: 33-24_Language Guidance Tip Sheet-3 (adces.org)  Strengths based, non-judgmental, neutral language can help to foster collaboration and can impart hope. Thank you for being compassionate agents for positive change in diabetes care and education!

Talking Health in the 406 podcast recently featured a Montana youth camp for kids with Type 1 Diabetes. Camp MYDA (Montana Youth Diabetes Alliance) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to Montana youth with Type 1 diabetes and their families. Montana Youth Diabetes Alliance (mydiabetesalliance.org)

Camp MYDA is helping to connect Montanan youth with Type 1 diabetes to peers, supportive medical staff, counselors, diabetes educators, fun activities, and much more! Campers have the opportunity to learn valuable skills while having fun! The organization is also providing some financial support opportunities to these Montana families, as well as scholarships, and community events. Check out the Talking Health 406 podcast to hear more on this organization. Talking Health in the 406 (mt.gov)  

Back in March the first continuous glucose monitor was cleared by the FDA for over-the-counter purchase. To increase access and encourage health equity the Food and Drug Administration has approved the Dexcom Stelo Glucose Biosensor System to be promoted as the first OTC CGM device for adults who do not use insulin.

Visit the link below for more information. 

FDA Clears First Over-the-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitor | FDA

Most recently the FDA has approved two more CGM devices by Abbott for over-the-counter purchase. One is Abbott's new over the counter CGM, Lingo, is approved for adults looking to improve their health and wellness.

The second is Abbott's CGM, Libre Rio, is the first over the counter CGM to be approved for use by adults with Type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin. The Libre Rio device is able to measure blood glucose from 40-400 mg/dL. 

For more information on this recent development please visit Abbott Receives U.S. FDA Clearance for Two New Over-the-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems - Jun 10, 2024 (mediaroom.com)

For many families across Montana, warm weather means time spent with family – whether it’s backyard cookouts, picnics at the park, or family vacations. These events are a time for families to reconnect and reflect on traditions. Family functions are also a time to talk about family health.

In the United States, all too often a family’s health history includes prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is a condition that affects 96 million American adults – more than1 in 3. The good news is prediabetes can often be reversed with a healthy diet and more physical activity.

When spending time with family this summer, think about ways you can get healthier together. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

• Prepare healthier food for barbeques and picnics. It’s not summer without backyard barbeques and cookouts! Serve healthy options such as fruits, vegetables, and low-sugar and low-calorie beverages.
• Get the family moving. Head outside for a game of soccer, basketball, softball, or kickball. Or just go for a good, brisk family walk. Or stay inside and play an active video game or have a dance party. If your family goes on vacation, incorporate opportunities to walk to, around, or between sites.
• Start a conversation about prediabetes. It’s not always easy to bring up a topic like prediabetes, but it is important – more than 80% of people with prediabetes don’t even know they have it. Encourage your family members to find out if they might have prediabetes by taking a one-minute risk test. If they find out they have prediabetes, encourage them to learn more about the National Diabetes Prevention Program. Montana has several programs offered in-person and virtually, to find more information visit our Montana diabetes prevention webpage.

Summer is a time to have fun with family, but it’s also a time to help take care of them. Encourage family members at risk for type 2 diabetes to understand their risk and learn how they can prevent or delay!