MDP Highlights and Updates
Montana Diabetes Professional Conference
 Pictured above is the Montana Diabetes Program team
October 15th-16th, the Montana Diabetes Program in partnership with the MT Coordinating Body of ADCES hosted the 28th Annual Montana Diabetes Professional Conference at the Delta Hotels Helena Colonial.
This event explored diabetes research, clinical guidelines, drug therapies, complex case management, the link between diabetes and CKD, and emphasized nutrition, physical activity, and statewide health education and management initiatives. The participants were offered a dynamic experience designed to enhance their insight and knowledge of diabetes while providing tools and ideas to bring back to their professional practices.
Planning for the 2026 Diabetes Professional Conference is already underway. Stay up to date on information regarding this conference and other educational opportunities from the MDP by visiting Diabetes Program (mt.gov).
Awards and Recognition
 The Montana Diabetes Program presented awards for professional excellence in the field of diabetes. The following professionals were recognized in several areas of achievement.
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Montana ADCES Diabetes Care and Education Specialist of the Year- Melissa Tyvand, Community Hospital of Anaconda
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Advancing the Vision Award- Raichell Dorland-Roan, IHS Crow Service Unit
- Organizational Leadership Award - Living Independently For Today and Tomorrow-LIFTT, Billings, MT
- Lifestyle Coach of the Year- Emma Bitterman, Community Hospital of Anaconda
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Rising Star Award- Sadie Seidel, Livingston Healthcare
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Rising Star Award- Joe Riordan, St. James
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Distinguished Service Award- Marci Butcher, Montana Diabetes Program
The Montana Diabetes Program would like to extend continued congratulations to those who are acknowledged for their distinguished service in diabetes care.
Diabetes Care and Education
Finding Wellness and Empowerment through Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSMES)
2025 National Diabetes Month focuses on wellness and “empowerment through education”. We encourage people living with diabetes or those at risk for diabetes to learn more about diabetes management and how to reduce health risks.
Living with diabetes can be challenging. It’s like a 24/7 job that you never signed up for and can often feel overwhelming. By learning how to positively manage diabetes, you can make informed choices throughout the day. These small daily choices can turn into healthy habits that support overall wellness.
Whether you’re living with diabetes or supporting someone who is, knowledge is your most powerful tool. There is a lot of information out there about diabetes and not all of it is evidence-based. Some information may even be misleading or confusing, this is why talking to a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist could help.
Diabetes Care and Education Specialists are health professionals trained to listen to you, involve you in your own diabetes self-management, and help you build the skills and confidence to manage your condition.
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” — Benjamin Franklin
There are many Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSMES) programs in Montana, and most health insurances will cover DSMES program services. Ask your health care provider for a referral to initiate ongoing personalized support and practical strategies daily management, through DSMES. By working together, you can develop a plan that fits your lifestyle and empowers you to take charge of your health.
Diabetes Self-Management Education Services
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Diabetes in the News
November is National Diabetes Month
November is National Diabetes Month, and this year's focus is on wellness when living with diabetes and taking action to prevent diabetes related health problems. During the month of November, we encourage everyone to know the risks of developing diabetes, manage blood glucose, monitor blood pressure, form healthy habits, and work with a healthcare team to prevent and manage diabetes. For more information on how to raise awareness for National Diabetes Month visit National Diabetes Month 2024 - NIDDK (nih.gov)
World Diabetes Day
Every year on November 14th the world recognizes World Diabetes Day. The world's largest diabetes awareness campaign.
Join in this year's campaign focuses on wellness in the workplace. Promote the World Diabetes Day theme on social media by sharing how diabetes has affected your well-being using #DiabetesLife. Find out more by visiting World Diabetes Day | Get Involved.
NEW Provider Resources- MT PAL
Caring for mental health is an important part of managing diabetes. A new provider resource, the Montana Psychiatric Access Line (MTPAL), helps healthcare professionals support pregnant and postpartum women by offering free consultation and guidance on mental and behavioral health.
For pregnant and post-partum women living with diabetes, stress and mental health barriers can make self-care even harder. MTPAL provides support for those providing care to people who are pregnant or in the postpartum period in Montana. Visit Montana PAL for more information.
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Diabetes Prevention
Wellness That Works: Bringing Diabetes Prevention to the Workplace
With one in three U.S. adults living with prediabetes, the workplace is a powerful setting for prevention. The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a proven lifestyle change program that helps participants lose weight, increase physical activity, and helps individuals reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58%. Providing the DPP as a covered benefit promotes healthier employees and a healthier business.
Diabetes-related healthcare costs and lost productivity cost U.S. employers billions each year. Employees with type 2 diabetes incur medical expenses that are more than twice as high as those without the condition. By covering the DPP through insurance or wellness plans, employers can reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and lower long-term healthcare costs.
Implementing the DPP is easier than you might think. Employers can start by:
- Reviewing current health benefits to assess DPP coverage.
- Partnering with a CDC-recognized DPP provider.
- Promoting the program through internal wellness campaigns.
- Encouraging employees to take a prediabetes risk assessment.
Offering the DPP signals a commitment to employee well-being and can foster a healthier, more engaged workforce. Prevention delivers value today and lasting impact tomorrow.
To learn more about how to bring the DPP to your workplace, visit CDC’s employer resources. To find out more about the DPP or find a program in your area visit Montana's Diabetes Prevention Program Website.
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