Diabetic Clinic

Tonight is the monthly Diabetic Clinic. Not long after the clinic opened, the need for more diabetic care became obvious. With the help of some enthusiastic volunteers including a provider, a couple of nurses and a student from Hillsdale College, the planning began. The idea was to hold a “group appointment” where all the patients came together at the same time to receive diabetic education, to be seen by a provider, to receive medications and all the supplies necessary to take control of their disease, and to form a support group for one another. I’m not sure our idealized version is exactly what happens, but today, and once a month, a group of 12 to 15 patients with a diagnosis of diabetes come together. There is a provider who comes to see anyone in the group that needs to be seen; he also oversees the medications and test results of all the patients. A volunteer pharmacist and pharmacist technician come in to dispense the necessary medications.

Under the direction of a diabetic educator, the patients sit around a table using light weights while she teaches various aspects of their care. Most of them have had a one on one session with a licensed dietician; they all receive glucose monitors and test strips, with the requirement that we see their blood sugar log for each month. Most months a healthy snack is provided. All the diabetics, from this group or the larger population of the clinic, have access to a podiatrist and to an ophthalmologist.

There are always laughs, groans, and the opportunity to cheer each other on as goals are met. The goals may be weight loss, a hemoglobin A1C level that meets a goal, or it may be an exercise program goal that was met. They support one another, and us. As a group we have seen the birth of babies and the death of one of the providers and one of the nurses. We have also experienced the unexpected death of one of the group.

I am often accused of “spoiling” this group of patients, and that is true to a certain extent. But we have been through a lot together, and every one of them KNOW that I will discharge them from the Diabetic Clinic if they are not compliant. I want them to take charge of their healthcare, and I will do everything I can to support them. If they are not willing to do the work, there is always someone waiting for a spot to open in the Diabetic Clinic.