Managing Diabetes with Confidence: The Role of Education and Support

A diabetes diagnosis can bring a wave of emotions with it, including fear, confusion, or frustration. Many people will immediately think of loved ones who have struggled with diabetes and wonder what their own future will look like. Some may not have any idea of what to expect. And others may be overwhelmed by the lifestyle changes they believe they must make overnight. 

These feelings are very real and common, but they do not have to define your journey. 

At Coplin Health Systems, our Diabetes Education & Management Program is built on the simple belief that no one should have to navigate diabetes alone. We know that with the right education, support, and guidance, individuals with diabetes can feel confident, informed, and in control of their health.

What Is the Diabetes Education & Management Program?

Coplin’s program is designed to provide comprehensive, evidence-based education for individuals who are living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, gestational diabetes, and those who are seeking weight management support.

Our program is led by two highly trained specialists: 

• Mary Treadway, MSN, FNP-BC, CDCES, BC-ADM — a board-certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified in advanced diabetes management, and nurse practitioner
• Murrita Bolinger, DNP, BC-ADM — certified in advanced diabetes management

Together, they offer a level of expertise designed to fully support our patients in their journey. Coplin is the only clinic in Wood and Wirt counties with this combination of diabetes education and advanced clinical management under one roof.

What Happens During a Diabetes Education Visit?

A diabetes education visit is not a lecture, a test, or a judgment. Our team wants to have a real conversation with patients designed to help them understand their condition and to build the skills necessary to manage it confidently.

Every visit is tailored to the patient’s needs, goals, and comfort level.

One of the main staples of our program is to make sure the patients that we see know they have our support. – Mary Treadway

During your first visit, our diabetic educators will walk through the key areas of diabetes self-care, including:

• Understanding Diabetes
  • What diabetes is and how it affects the body
  • The type of diabetes you have
  • Treatment options and how they work
• Healthy Eating & Meal Planning
  • How different foods affect blood sugar
  • Practical meal-planning methods
  • Realistic nutrition guidance
• Physical Activity
  • How movement improves blood sugar
  • Setting achievable activity goals
  • Understanding the connection between exercise and insulin sensitivity
• Medication Management
  • How diabetes medications work
  • Why consistency matters
  • What side effects to watch for
• Monitoring Blood Sugar
  • How to use a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
  • Understanding blood sugar targets
  • What “time in range” means and why it matters
• Preventing Complications
  • Recognizing symptoms of high and low blood sugar
  • Foot care, dental care, and eye exams
  • Recommended screenings and immunizations
• Stress Management & Healthy Coping
  • Identify diabetes distress
  • Strategies for emotional well-being
  • Building a support system

Why Diabetes Management Is About More Than Diet and Exercise

One of the most common misconceptions is that diabetes can be controlled simply by exercising more and cutting out carbohydrates from your diet. While nutrition and activity are important to diabetes management, they are only part of the bigger picture.

Your blood sugar can be influenced by many factors, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Sleep quality
• Illness
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• High-fat meals
• Dawn phenomenon
• Autoimmune conditions such as celiac disease
• Even altitude for individuals using insulin pumps

This is why Coplin’s approach is rooted in whole-person care. Diabetes is not just a physical condition – it is deeply connected to emotional health, daily routines, and life circumstances. Understanding these connections helps our patients make sense of their numbers and feel more in control.

Personalized Support for Real Life

We know that no two patients are the same. Diabetes education and management must reflect each person’s real life instead of an idealized version of it. And often, some of the circumstances that can impact diabetes management are out of their control.

To make sure management plans are realistic, our team considers:

• Family history
• Social determinants of health
• Income and food access
• Insurance coverage
• Personal goals
• Daily routines and responsibilities

Our team wants to ensure each patient feels seen, understood, and supported throughout the program which begins with listening.

There is no one-size-fits-all diabetes plan. We have to work around each patient’s history, circumstances, and needs. – Murrita Bolinger

The Benefits of Diabetes Education

Patients who participate in Coplin’s Diabetes Education & Management Program often gain:

• A stronger support system
• A clearer understanding of diabetes
• Improved confidence in managing their condition
• Better nutrition and exercise knowledge
• More effective long-term self-management skills

And as our diabetic educators point out, even if you’ve had diabetes for years, there is always something new to learn.

A Path Forward with Support

Whether you are newly diagnosed, have been living with diabetes for years, or simply want to better understand your health, support is available.

A diabetes diagnosis does not mean you have to figure everything out on your own. Coplin’s team is here to help with education, encouragement, and expert guidance every step of the way. 

To get started, speak with your primary care provider about a referral or feel free to contact us directly. Learn more about our program by visiting the Diabetes Education & Management Program page.

You deserve support, clarity, and a care team that walks alongside you on your journey.