Live Life to the Fullest
Diabetes can be a challenging condition, especially if you’re newly diagnosed. There’s so much to learn about how to stay healthy — even people who have had diabetes for years benefit from coaching and support.
At AdventHealth Ottawa, formerly Ransom Memorial Health, our certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians are ready to help with every aspect of diabetes care — from blood sugar monitoring to personalized diabetes nutrition plans. You’ll get advice and treatment that’s personalized for your specific condition and overall health.
To us, you’re not just another person with diabetes. You’re someone who deserves the highest level of care, every time.
We’re here to help you find the right physician or a location that’s convenient for you.
Comprehensive Nutrition and Diabetes Care
- Blood Sugar Monitoring
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Your levels of blood sugar, or blood glucose, show if your diabetes is under control. The certified diabetes educators at AdventHealth Ottawa, formerly Ransom Memorial Health, will explain how to test your blood sugar and what your target range should be.
Testing usually involves getting a drop of blood from your finger and then using a blood glucose meter to measure your blood sugar. But some people wear a continuous glucose monitor that uses a tiny sensor under the skin.
Your doctor will also order an A1C test, which measures your blood sugar control over the past two to three months. This is a good way to show how well your diabetes is controlled.
- Insulin Self-Management Skills
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People with type 1 diabetes, and even some with type 2, must take insulin to stay healthy. The certified diabetes educators at our Ottawa hospital will explain the steps for injecting insulin and when you need to use it. Or, if you’re able to use an insulin pump that provides small, steady doses over time, we’ll explain that too. No matter what method you use, it’s important to follow specific steps to avoid infection and stay healthy.
- Injectable Medications for Diabetes
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People who have type 2 diabetes may need medicines other than insulin that are injected under the skin. The certified diabetes educator at AdventHealth Ottawa will explain each medicine and how to use it.
- Oral Medication Self-Management Skills
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Your doctor may prescribe medications for you to take by mouth to lower your blood sugar levels. Your certified diabetes educator will explain how your medications work and how you should take them.
- Managing Your Cholesterol
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People with diabetes are at higher risk for unhealthy cholesterol levels. Your registered dietitian at AdventHealth Ottawa will explain how your diet can help you improve your cholesterol levels. Regular exercise and losing weight can also help.
- Diabetes Nutrition Plans and Counseling
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A healthy diabetes diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables and foods with lean protein, such as beans, fish and poultry. It’s important to stay away from foods with added sugars such as sweetened sodas.
Eating healthy with diabetes is easier with help from our diabetes and nutrition experts. Your registered dietitian at AdventHealth Ottawa will help you create a diabetes nutrition plan and explain how to make meals that include the right amounts of protein and carbohydrates.
- Counseling for Diabetes During Pregnancy
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Some women develop diabetes during pregnancy. This is called gestational diabetes, and it usually goes away after the baby is born. Your registered dietitian at AdventHealth Ottawa will explain how you can control this condition with diet and exercise. Some women with gestational diabetes need to take insulin.
If you already have diabetes before you get pregnant, you’ll need to take special care to ensure you and your baby stay healthy. Your certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian, along with your doctor, will make sure you get the best care and advice throughout your pregnancy.
- Avoiding Diabetes Complications
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Diabetes can cause problems such as kidney disease, high blood pressure, eye damage, skin infections and nerve damage. Foot problems are also common, since nerve damage can mask injuries there. The certified diabetes educators at our hospital in Franklin county will help you deal with each of these issues, as well as the stress that can accompany having diabetes.
- Setting Goals
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With diabetes, it’s important to set goals for health. Eating the right foods and getting regular exercise should be part of your schedule every day. Also be sure to check your blood sugar and take your medications as your doctor prescribes. If you smoke, you should set a goal of quitting as soon as you can.
The nutrition and diabetes team at AdventHealth Ottawa can help you with all these goals. We’re here to make sure you stay as healthy as possible with diabetes.
Diabetes and Nutrition Care You Can Count On
You’ve got this, because you’ve got us. Get the expert guidance and support you need to manage your diabetes and live a happier, healthier life
Find Diabetes Care at AdventHealth Ottawa
We're Your Partners in Care
Combining the needs of real life with the needs of advanced diabetes care isn't always easy. The good news is, you don’t have to do it all on your own. Our multidisciplinary care team is here to guide you to the medical, social, and local resources that can help make living with a diabetes diagnosis easier. Trust us to help you feel more confident, more in control, and more empowered in your care.