With her advanced expertise as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner and Certified Diabetes Educator, Amanda Smith empowers patients with knowledge and tools to successfully manage diabetes, prevent complications, and lead healthy lives.

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes glucose (sugar), leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Left unmanaged, it can increase the risk of serious complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, vision loss, and nerve issues. Fortunately, through lifestyle changes, medication, and routine monitoring, diabetes can be managed effectively. Amanda emphasizes that education is one of the most powerful tools in diabetes care—knowing the "why" behind each step can make a real difference in a patient’s journey.

Team Approach to Diabetes Education

Amanda’s approach to diabetes care is comprehensive and personalized. She and her team, Sheri, Kelly and Dianna, work closely with each patient to understand their unique health needs and goals, providing guidance on everything from diet and exercise to medication and blood sugar monitoring.

“Diabetes management is not one-size-fits-all,” Amanda explains. “I encourage patients to take an active role in their care, empowering them to make choices that fit their lifestyle and personal health goals. Through education and support, I aim to make managing diabetes feel less overwhelming and more achievable.”

Essential Aspects of Diabetes Management

Diabetes management includes several critical aspects that Amanda guides her patients through:

1. Healthy Eating
   A balanced diet is essential for managing blood sugar levels. Amanda encourages patients to choose whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. She also provides personalized dietary tips to help prevent spikes and crashes in blood glucose levels.

2. Regular Physical Activity
   Physical activity plays a major role in blood sugar management and overall well-being. Amanda works with patients to find exercises that suit their lifestyle and fitness levels, emphasizing the importance of regular movement for weight management, cardiovascular health, and blood glucose control.

3. Routine Blood Sugar Monitoring
   Monitoring blood sugar levels at home is key for individuals with diabetes. Amanda helps patients learn the importance of regular monitoring, showing them how to interpret their readings and adjust their management strategies as needed.

4. Medication Management
   Whether a patient needs insulin or other medications, Amanda provides thorough education on how these treatments work and the best practices for using them. She aims to minimize confusion and support patients in adhering to their prescribed regimen.

5. Stress Management and Mental Health
   Diabetes management isn’t only physical; it’s emotional and mental as well. Stress can have a significant impact on blood sugar, so Amanda integrates stress management techniques, like deep breathing exercises, and supports patients in maintaining a positive outlook.

6. Preventive Care
   Amanda emphasizes regular health check-ups to prevent potential complications. She provides guidance on maintaining heart, kidney, eye, and nerve health—areas that can be affected by diabetes.

Diabetes Prevention: Steps Everyone Can Take

Preventing type 2 diabetes involves lifestyle changes that promote health and reduce risk factors. Amanda offers the following key strategies for those looking to prevent diabetes:

• Healthy Eating Patterns: Adopting a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in processed foods can prevent spikes in blood sugar and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps the body use insulin more efficiently, lowering the risk of diabetes.
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Reducing weight by even a small percentage can significantly lower diabetes risk, especially for those who are overweight.
• Routine Check-Ups: Early detection is crucial. Regular blood tests for glucose levels can catch prediabetes, allowing for proactive steps to prevent progression to diabetes.

Partnering with Amanda for Lifelong Health

Amanda’s goal is to make diabetes management and prevention accessible and understandable for everyone. She believes that each small step toward better health counts, and she works diligently to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to all her patients.

“Diabetes management is a journey,” she says. “Together, we can take each step with confidence, adapting along the way to achieve and maintain good health.”

This World Diabetes Day, we invite you to explore the resources and support available at Primary Care Associates of Appleton. Whether you’re managing diabetes or looking to prevent it, Amanda Smith, APNP, CDE, is here to guide you toward a healthier future.