Dear Credentialed Diabetes Educators

We asked you to nominate your favourite Credentialed Diabetes Educator, so we can offer them the right recognition by always being there in your journey! This year for the International Nurses Day was all about giving back!

First, we want to thank everyone who took a moment to think about their beloved nurses and nominated them. The kind words and the love towards your nurses overwhelmed us! We are grateful for our beautiful community!

The nurses who have won a $100 USD Audible/ Amazon voucher each are:

If you want to take a look at the contest, please check our Facebook post about International Nurse Day.

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of the nurses in a T1D’s journey. That is why continuing our series of giving back, we wanted to show both sides of the story – the impact CDE’s (Credentialed Diabetes Educator) have upon their patients and, at the same time, the influence patient’s strength have on the nurses’ mission.

Since being diagnosed 13 years ago I have always had a Specialist Diabetes Nurse who has looked after me and supported me with my care with T1. I had one as I went through the children’s services, and now I am lucky enough to have two as an adult and my experience has been so positive. I usually have 2-3 appointments a year with them and my consultant. I am able to contact them via email or phone whenever I feel like I need more support. We also usually have an annual meet up where we can meet other T1s in our area, which is set up by our specialist nurses.

Having a Specialist Diabetes Nurse has been amazing, diabetes is not easy, and having a specific someone to contact for guidance and support, that actually knows you, and how you care and treat for your diabetes is really helpful. I thought after so many years of T1 that I would be an expert but it can just be so difficult, I forget the simplest of things sometimes, but I call and email my nurses whenever I need support, and they’re amazing at helping me monitor my glucose, and offer advice. Throughout my teenage years especially, I suffered really badly with my T1, I was feeling very frustrated and fatigued and my nurses were exceptional at supporting me, understanding my feelings and helping me to get back on track. They didn’t make me feel stupid or silly for losing control, and I felt like they really understood the support that I needed. I think that it is super important that every single person with T1Ds has a nurse to be able to offer them support.’

– Cally, @typeone_cal

My diabetes specialist nurse was the first person I saw after my type 1 diagnosis. The support from her has been invaluable in my journey. She was the person that started me on insulin, guided my first injection and showed me how to finger prick. I trust her advice and decisions about my care. She will always take on board my opinions and needs. Last year, I met with my diabetes nurse and discussed pursuing the option of an insulin pump after being on injections for 6 years. She detailed the various options available to me and the process I would need to go through to gain funding.

My nurse then promised to take my case to the panel, whilst managing my expectations and not trying to get my hopes up. She contacted me shortly after the panel had met to tell me the good news, that I had been accepted for an insulin pump and organized training to suit me. A few months on, I am so grateful for her support and my life has significantly improved. Without my diabetes nurse, I wouldn’t have access to the technology that keeps me alive every day.

– Sophie, @thefaultypancreas

Working as a nurse in the endocrinology field has been an interesting experience. Growing up I didn’t know anyone living with diabetes so I never knew what it was like or how hard it could be. I have now met some strong people that deal with the daily struggle of a life long disease along with parents going through it with their children.

Diabetes doesn’t discriminate and doesn’t always have a reason behind it but they get through it. The finger sticks, the pumps, the shots and everything else can be a lot of work. But being able to help has been so rewarding to be part of this fight and you also get such a connection with the patients because of it being an ongoing process.

– Trisha, @tturner0824

Diabetes is a disease that does not take a day off. It can be challenging and emotionally exhausting to constantly have to chase your blood sugar numbers. Every day you have to focus on making sure to take medications on time, figure out the right kind of food to eat, and be sure to get enough exercise. It can put a tremendous burden on your everyday life due to the demanding nature of this disease.

My experience working as a nurse for almost a decade and now as a provider, I have met some of the most resilient people in my life. They never complain, always do their best to come to their appointments and take their medications as prescribed. They always have a burning desire to know more about the disease process and be well informed about their condition. I have gotten to know my patients in a more personal level than I ever imagined. Each of them has left a huge impact in my life and I learn a great deal from them everyday. Most importantly we learn from each other because diabetes is evolving everyday either in terms of newer medications or technology. That’s why we are a great team together.

Do not get beaten down by this disease. You have the power to control it. Give your best revenge by eating greens, exercising regularly and cutting down your sweets, juices, and sodas. Take things one day at a time. Do not overwhelm yourself. You got this. I think you are doing an awesome job figuring out this complex disease. Give yourself a pat in the back for how hard you are trying everyday.

– Geeta, @drsharmadnp

Hi, my name is Carolien Koreneff, I am a registered nurse and credentialled diabetes educator. Although I did my training in the Netherlands, I have worked as a CDE-RN in Sydney for over 25 years. Initially I worked in local hospitals and for the last 15 years or so I also have my own private practice, which is currently located in Sutherland NSW.

I also trained as a somatic (body-oriented) psychotherapist, which means I can support people with diabetes even better, at a deeper level. Particularly if the person struggles with diabetes burn-out, stress, anxiety or depression.

I work with people with all types of diabetes, but am particularly interested in working with people who have type 1 diabetes, for a variety of reasons. One reason is that often people with type 1 diabetes are younger and like technology just as much as I do. New systems such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring sensors help to improve glycaemic control whilst at the same time improve quality of life. Technology such as pumps and CGM are in fact so useful that I even use them in people with type 2 diabetes. I am excited to learn about the Not Just a Patch range of products as I think this will help my clients get longer, better wear out of their sensors.

Although the current environment is challenging with the coronavirus pandemic, I will continue to see people with diabetes face-to-face as much as possible as I think it is important that people can experience a personalized approach to diabetes care and management. Support is the one thing that people with diabetes need the most of and hence all appointments with me are 1-hour duration and after-hours appointments are available on request.

– Carolien, Shire Total Healthcare

Stay tuned for our next surprises!

Disclaimer: The winners on International Nurses Day contest have been chosen randomly through random.org.