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Diabetes Management

If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, our diabetes management program is designed to give you the information and support you need. We team up with your doctor to help you and your family learn how to manage your diabetes effectively.

Our Diabetes Care and Educational Specialists are here to make this journey easier. To begin, you can watch these videos that explain what specialists do and when you should consult them.

Our group of diabetes experts, including nurses and dietitians, will work closely with you. This can be through personal sessions or small group meetings, spanning about three months. Together, we'll create a plan that suits your requirements. This timeframe allows you to put your newfound knowledge into practice and develop healthier routines.

Our services have been recognized and endorsed by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Our educators, who are experienced registered nurses and dietitians, specialize in guiding participants to effectively manage their diabetes.

Diabetes team picture


Living Well With Diabetes Program

Topics Include:

  • Making healthy eating choices and effective meal planning
  • Understanding food labels
  • Engaging in exercises for improved health
  • Keeping track of your blood sugar levels
  • Finding the right balance between food, exercise, and medications
  • Preventing complications
  • Navigating dining out successfully
  • Developing healthy coping mechanisms and effective problem-solving skills

We offer a series of small group sessions or one-on-one appointments, spread out over approximately three months. This approach allows for gradual changes in behavior and practical learning.


Enhance Your Diabetes Management - Embrace Technology

This program is specifically created to educate and assist those who rely on insulin to achieve their blood glucose goals. You will gain insights into adjusting your insulin based on your eating and exercise routines. Our services are personalized to your requirements and include:

  • Carbohydrate counting
  • Continuous glucose monitoring
  • Insulin pump training

"Elsa and the MWHC Diabetes Management program have exceeded all my expectations. My A1C was 10.9 when I was diagnosed (type 2 and fatty liver disease) and was down to 5.4 after 4 months! My triglycerides plummeted from 571+ to 192, and I've lost close to 10 pounds already. My primary care doctor already took me off one diabetes medication. Beyond the numbers, Elsa gave me the confidence and tools to make smart food choices at home and eating out. After the initial shock of being diagnosed at age 32, I feel like I have my life back. Can't recommend her and the team there enough." -John


Scheduling (for all locations):

To schedule these services, please get in touch with us at 540.741.2210. A doctor's referral is necessary. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover the cost of Diabetes Self-Management training. We advise you to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage. Additionally, virtual appointments through audio and video are available as an alternative option.

Forms for new patients

Medical Nutrition Therapy


Meet Our Team

Our team of skilled clinicians are experts in diabetes management and are here to help you continue your journey towards better health. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, we offer personalized education tailored to your specific goals for success. Working together with you, your family, and your doctor, our diabetes team will create a customized care plan just for you.

  • Stefanie Rekdal

    Stefanie Rekdal, BS, RD, CDCES, CPT*
    Team Leader & Diabetes Educator
    BS in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University
    Dietetic Internship - Virginia State University

    Over 25 years of experience as a dietitian
    Over 20 years experience as a CDCES
    MWH Employee of the Month July 2015

    Specializes in renal nutrition and insulin pumps/CGM therapy
    Stefanie enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys and creating greeting cards.

  • Jody Long

    Jody Long, MS, RD, CDCES*
    Diabetes Educator
    MS in Poultry Science Texas A&M University
    BS in Animal Science University of Illinois
    Dietetic Internship – Houston VA Hospital

    Over 25 years of experience as a dietitian

    Specializes in adult nutrition and weight loss management
    Jody enjoys yoga, cycling, hiking, gardening, and spending time with the cows, emus, and chickens on 30 acre farm.

  • Elsa Nicholson

    Elsa Nicholson, RD*
    Diabetes Educator

  • Parminder Singh

    Parminder Singh, BSN, RN, CDCES*
    Diabetes Educator
    BS in Nursing from University of Mary Washington

    20 years of experience as an RN

    Specializes in cardiac care
    Parminder enjoys visiting her homeland of Scotland with her husband and two children, and hiking.

  • Courtney Wilkerson

    Courtney Wilkerson, BSN, RN, CDCES*
    Diabetes Educator
    BS in Nursing from George Mason University
    5 years of experience as an RN
    Associate of the Month April 2021

    Courtney enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and cat; vegetable gardening; and playing trivia games.

  • Sarah Whitson

    Sarah Whitson, BS, RD, CDCES*
    Diabetes Educator
    BS in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise from Virginia Tech
    Dietetic Internship - Virginia Department of Health
    8 years of experience as a dietitian

    Sarah likes cycling and cooking, and enjoys spending time with her husband, two boys, and two dogs.

  • Gitte Lett

    Gitte Lett
    Diabetes Service Specialist
    Mary Washington Associate for over 20 years providing outstanding customer service and program support

    Gitte likes to bake and cook, enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, and two dogs and traveling to her homeland of Denmark.

*BS Bachelor of Science
MS Master of Science
RD Registered Dietitian
CDCES Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
CPT Certified Pump Trainer
BSN Bachelor of Science Nursing
RN Registered Nurse

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Online Diabetes Education

Explore our collection of diabetes-related videos and educational content on YouTube.

Click the menu icon in the upper right corner to select a different video of your choice.

#insideMWHC Podcasts about Diabetes

Diabetes and Healthy Eating Articles

Read more articles

The American Diabetes Association offers a monthly Ask the Experts series where they cover a different topic every month. Past topics have included healthy eating, preventing and treating heart disease, being active, eye care and more.


Kids For Cure Logo Small


Kids for a Cure Club - Support group for children with Type 1 Diabetes and their parents.

For any questions or information regarding support groups and special events, call us at 540.741.2210.

View upcoming events and photos

Other Diabetes Resources

Disease Education

Exercise and Nutrition

Medication

Support Groups

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