On May 6th, the RRC Nursing department hosted a diabetes panel discussion as supplemental information for students. The intention of the panel was to educate students by putting a human face to the disease, in order to improve understanding and raise awareness of the challenges diabetics face.  The panelists, consisting of both diabetics and diabetes educators, emphasized that diabetes is a serious disease that nurses need to be educated on.  The nursing students took advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and voice their comments and concerns to the panel.

Lori, a nurse manager with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Health Sciences Centre Diabetes Research Group and current National Chair of the Diabetes Educator Section – Executive/Steering Committee Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Guidelines, emphasized that people with diabetes need support more than they need education.  She hopes students now understand that nurses should provide both and not assume that diabetics have been previously ‘taught.’

“Diabetes is a chronic disease.  People live with it every minute of every day and they need to become self-managers.” – Lori

Kelly, a CFP – Financial Planner for Goodwealth Financial – IPC Investment Corp., has been diabetic since age 9.  As an active participant in diabetes awareness and research, Kelly hopes students took away the message that diabetes is manageable with assistance, expert tutelage, and guidance.  Kelly is a strong advocate for diabetes research and believes that continued research will assist in the present and future well-being of diabetic clients.

“Feeling sorry for yourself because of diabetes is not an option.  A great attitude goes a long way in diabetes control.  Balance and control now can assist with issues related to diabetes in the future.” – Kelly

The RRC Nursing department would like to thank the panelists for sharing their knowledge and experience with our students.