• Diabetes Management Classes Improve Lives of Clients
  By Sue Barker - Martha’s Village & Kitchen
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Diabetes Management Classes Improve Lives of Clients
By Sue Barker - Martha’s Village & Kitchen

Dr. April Dawson instructs Martha's client Dolores J. on managing diabetes.

  Since the diabetes program was launched at the Martha’s Village & Kitchen (MVK) Medical Clinic, many clients have been educated about diabetes. Residents and non-residents were invited to attend four free bi-lingual classes on diabetes.

  The classes were taught by educators from Indio’s John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital Pediatric Diabetes Program. Martha’s Medical Clinic Director
Dr. April Dawson was on hand to give instructions on administering insulin.

  Students were given the supplies and instruction needed for home monitoring of sugar levels. Information on nutrition, exercise and preparation of insulin medication was also provided. All diabetes patients who attended classes were given brand new glucometers, chem strips and lancets.

   Around 20 clients attended the classes held at MVK. One client, Delores J, was seeing a doctor in Cathedral City for her diabetes and heard about the MVK program on television. She said her doctor was treating her diabetes by giving her more drugs and she was getting sicker. Dolores took the classes and learned how to control her diet.

  " I was out of energy. I couldn’t go to the store because I was too weak and tired. I couldn’t drive a car because I was so light-headed and I couldn’t focus my eyes. I couldn’t even remember my husband’s name," she revealed.

  " Dr. Dawson took the time to listen to me. She did some testing and changed my medication. Now I am in a better mood and I feel good," continued Dolores. "I was miserable and I was making my husband miserable. It (the class) has improved my lifestyle and changed my life."

  When Dolores came in for her first visit at the medical clinic, her blood glucose level was at 600. Since taking the class and receiving treatment from Dr. Dawson, her glucose levels have improved dramatically. She visits the medical center once a month for checkups.

  " I like coming here," Dolores said. "The people here are warm and caring."

  Plans are underway to hold another diabetes class this fall. For more information, contact the MVK medical clinic at 760.347.4741.