Insulin Pump is Another Option for Diabetes Patients
GOSHEN, Ind. – Finding the best method for diabetes control is an important way to delay the onset and slow the progression of complications from diabetes.
Insulin pumps offer patients another option for managing their diabetes other than injections, said Sherry Doherty, RN, diabetes educator for Healthy Generations. While pumps are most often used in patients with Type 1 Diabetes, it can be just as viable alternative for those living with Type 2 Diabetes as well.
“Pumps provide a small amount of insulin throughout the day, plus when prompted by the pump wearer the pump will give a bolus of insulin to cover foods eaten and elevated blood glucose, to keep your blood glucose stable and can help patients achieve better control over their diabetes,” she said. “But, just as learning to manage your diabetes takes practice, making the switch to an insulin pump requires training and education. We are here to provide that.”
In addition to being a RN diabetes educator, Doherty has become a certified insulin pump trainer for multiple insulin pump companies. Pump manufacturers each require their own trainer certification.
Becoming a certified pump trainer means Doherty can work with diabetes patients to determine if an insulin pump is a valid option for managing the disease. She can work with the pump of the physicians’ choice or work with the patient to determine which pump is best suited for their lifestyle.
“By 2030 the number of people living with diabetes is expected to double,” said Joel Conrad, Healthy Generations Director. “Having Sherry as a certified pump trainer, in addition to our Diabetes Education program, is a huge plus for the community. Doctors can call Sherry if they have a patient eligible for a pump – they don’t have to rely on calling an insulin pump rep to do the training or refer patients outside of the community. They can come to Goshen.”
Doherty, who has been a Diabetes Educator for 8 years, is currently working on her fourth pump certification. Being certified in a variety of pump models not only allows Doherty to work with the patients to find the best fit, but to work with area physicians who may opt to prescribe a specific pump style for their patients.
To provide the best options for diabetes patients in Elkhart County and surrounding areas, Doherty chose to become a certified pump trainer for the models she felt best fit the people in the Northern Indiana Region. She chose the insulin pumps specifically for their unique features that they offer, including waterproof pumps that can be worn on lakes or during water sports. Some offer a second unit that does continuous blood glucose reading, larger or smaller deliverable dose, and a tubeless model that is great for athletes.
“There are so many insulin pumps out there – if the use of an insulin pump is the best option for a patient, we will work with them to find the perfect pump for them and then work with the patient, training them to use it,” said Doherty.
The Diabetes Education program through Goshen General Hospital offers comprehensive diabetes services to the community. Seminars covering topics on health care and support groups are scheduled throughout the year. There is no charge for the seminars. Seminars are held in Goshen, Nappanee, Syracuse and LaGrange. For more information, call 574-535-2746 or email at Diabetes@goshenhealth.com.
About Healthy Generations
Healthy Generations, Goshen Health System’s community outreach program, offers a number of community events from free health screenings and health fairs to its worksite wellness program, Get Fit Get Healthy. Additional programs include CPR classes, EMT training, Diabetes Education, Childbirth Education and Fitness classes. For more information contact Healthy Generations at 547-535-2621.
About Goshen Health System
Goshen Health System is a not-for-profit provider of health care that includes Goshen General Hospital, The Goshen Center for Cancer Care, Park Home Medical Equipment, PrimeCare Physician Network, Team:Bariatrics, The Retreat Women’s Health Center and Indiana Lakes Managed Care Organization. The health system is an affiliate partner of Clarian Health. For more information about Goshen Health System, contact Bridget Levitz, Public Relations Coordinator at 574-535-2776 or visit .