Diabetes Education and Clinical Nutrition

The Path to Understanding and Fighting Diabetes

We work closely with TCRHCC primary care clinics to assure high-quality, coordinated diabetes care

What we provide to people with diabetes

What we also provide to people with health concerns other than diabetes

Our diabetes education program is accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

People with diabetes are encouraged to see their primary care provider at least every 3 months and to bring their meter and log book to all of their appointments

Did you know . . .

But diabetes and its complications are preventable! Diabetes education works to improve health outcomes and prevent complication for people with diabetes. In the last year, patients attending TCRHCC group diabetes education class reduced there A1c by an average of 1.2 points!

The Healthy Living Diabetes Education & Clinical Nutrition department is an American Association of Diabetes Educators-accredited program providing diabetes education in group and 1 on 1 setting, nutrition care, foot screening exams, meter teaching, and eye screenings, now on all 3 floors of OPCC.

Group Diabetes Class

On Tuesdays at 8 am, we offer group diabetes class. All people with diabetes and their families are encouraged to attend. Our aim is to reduce complications, such as eye disease, nerve damage, heart disease, and kidney disease, for people with diabetes.

In class, a variety of instructors will teach you skills to manage your diabetes and control your blood sugar.

Class topics include:

What is Diabetes?
Healthly Eating
Being Active
Monitoring
Taking Medication
Problem Solving & Emergencies
Healthy Coping
Reducing Risks & Preventing Complications
Goal Setting

Class is offered in the Navajo language on a monthly basis. Please call to schedule.

The more you know, The better you will feel!

Diabetes Medication Management

Our department or the pharmacy diabetes clinic can provide diabetes medication management with a referral from your primary care provider. If you are interested in help with managing your medications and improving your blood sugar control, please ask your provider for a referral.

Diabetes in Pregnancy Management

We also offer specialized services to women with diabetes during pregnancy. About 20-25% of pregnancies at TCRHCC are affected by either type 2 or gestational diabetes.

High blood sugars during pregnancy can cause serious problems for both mom and baby, so we work closely with the Women’s Clinic staff to ensure healthy outcomes for our moms and babies.

Where to find our services

Pharmacy Diabetes Clinic and Tuesday morning group diabetes class will still check in on the 1st floor, at the new Same-Day window.

Our diabetes health techs, Lenora and Vanessa, will be providing foot exams, eye screenings, and meter training as part of your primary care visit with IM, FM, SDA, Peds, or Womens.

Outpatient Providers

The following providers will be providing outpatient nutrition and diabetes education services on the 2nd floor by appointment or walk-in as available:

Marilyn Smith, RDN
Ruby Whitethorne, RN, CDE
Theodora Rudd, MSHS, RDN
Annie Edleman, RDN, CDE will be providing services within the pediatric clinic by appointment or walk-in as available.
Mary Degnan, MS, RD, CDE will be providing prenatal nutrition & diabetes services within the Women’s clinic by appointment or walk-in.
Susan Hoelscher, MS, RDN, CDE, CSP provides nutrition & diabetes education services at Sacred Peaks Health Center in Flagstaff. Appointments can be scheduled primarily SPHC by calling (928) 863-7333.

Diabetes Education and Clinical Nutrition Staff

Mary Degnan, MS, RDN, CDE

Diabetes Education & Clinical Nutrition Director

Carla McCabe

Admin Assistant

Eva Manymules, CNA

Diabetes CNA

Vanessa Begay

Diabetes Health Tech

Clarissa Carr

Data Specialist

Ruby Whitethorne, RN, CDE

Diabetes Nurse Educator

Mary Jordan, CNA