Beginning with a one-on-one personal consultation with a diabetes educator, you will gain knowledge and understanding of the most important tools in the fight against diabetes. This education will continue through a comprehensive education program to help you learn ways to control and manage the effects of the disease. In either a group or one-on-one setting, you can learn about these vital topics:

• What is Diabetes
• Diabetes Medications
• Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
• Nutrition, Basic Carb Counting, and Meal Planning
• Exercise and Diabetes
• Social Aspects of Diabetes
• Preventing Complications

In our Nutrition Therapy program, you will receive one-on-one counseling with a registered dietitian who will review your history and current health conditions, and personal goals to provide tailored nutrition education that fits your lifestyle. Our staff specializes in the following health areas for all ages and stages:

• Obesity
• Weight management
• Diabetes
• Prediabetes
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Kidney disease
• Liver conditions
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular complications
• Tube feeding
• Eating disorders

Having prediabetes means your blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes. Prediabetes can often be reversed.

In the United States, about 1 in 3 adults has prediabetes, and more than 8 in 10 of them don’t know they have it. Without taking action, many people with prediabetes could develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years.

In our Nutrition Therapy program, you will receive one-on-one counseling with a registered dietitian who can work with you to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

We also offer the Diabetes Prevention Program which is a nationally recognized, year-long lifestyle change program that has been proven to prevent or delay progression to type 2 diabetes. You may be eligible to participate in this program if you meet certain criteria. For more information about DPP, call Liliana Adrian at 828-732-6204 or email ltadrian@catawbavalleymc.org.

Find out if you are at risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. A print version of the Prediabetes Risk Test is also available.

Take the online test

Gestational diabetes is usually at temporary condition that improves after the baby is born, but it increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and for developing type 2 diabetes in the future. To help ensure proper care for both mother and baby, our Gestational Program offers specific education on such topics as blood sugar management, carbohydrate counting and meal planning, preventing complications, and insulin training, if necessary. Your healthcare provider will determine if the Gestational Program is needed for you.

Fitness Plus, which is Catawba County’s only specialized medical fitness facility, offers the proActiveRx Medical Exercise Programs. All of our medical exercise programs include pre and post assessments.

Learn more about proActiveRX on our Fitness Plus page.

Glucose monitoring devices, including continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and traditional blood glucose meters, are essential tools for managing diabetes effectively. Our staff provides training and on-going management for these devices.

Types of Glucose Monitoring Devices

Blood Glucose Meters:

• These devices require a small blood sample, usually obtained by pricking the finger. The blood is placed on a test strip, which is inserted into the meter to provide a reading of blood glucose levels.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs):

• CGMs provide real-time glucose readings by using a small sensor placed under the skin. They measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid and can provide continuous data throughout the day and night without the need for finger pricks.

Insulin pumps are an alternative to multiple daily injection (MDI) insulin therapy (syringe or pen injections) for people with diabetes who require insulin to manage the condition. The technology for insulin pumps is rapidly evolving. There are several pumps to choose from, and we can help you decide which pump is right for you depending on your needs and preferences.

We can help you select a pump, provide insulin pump training and offer on-going management.

We provide insulin injection according to your prescription order from your provider so that you can give your injections accurately, quickly and with comfort.

Renee Greene, RD, LDN, CDCES is the Coordinator of Diabetes Education at the Center for Diabetes Education & Outreach Nutrition at Catawba Valley Medical Center. She received her B.S. degree in biology from Heidelberg University and Nutrition degree from The University of Akron in Ohio. As a Registered Dietitian for over 20 years, Renee has focused experience in providing medical nutrition therapy for chronic diseases and has worked as a nutrition counselor and educator with people in all stages of life, including pregnancy, childhood, and adulthood.  Renee is also a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and a Certified Insulin Pump Trainer and enjoys working with people with diabetes. Renee is passionate about sharing knowledge and practical tools to help people achieve their optimal health.

rgreene@catawbavalleymc.org

Lindsie Covington, MS, RD, LDN is a Registered Dietitian at the Center for Diabetes Education and Outreach Nutrition at Catawba Valley Medical Center. She received her B.S. and M.S. in Nutrition from Appalachian State University with her primary focus being rural health. Lindsie is a Certified Pump Trainer helping patients manage diabetes with the use of clinical technology. In addition to her roles at the Diabetes and Nutrition center, she is also the Wellness Dietitian for the Health First Center providing community and corporate wellness education. She also works closely with patients participating in the Cardiopulmonary Rehab program. Lindsie is a lifelong resident of Hickory, NC and finds great joy in being able to give back and educate her community on food and nutrition related topics. She is very passionate about practicing food inclusivity and practices an “all foods fit” approach.

lcovington@catawbavalleymc.org

Meghan Bergman, RN, BSN is a Diabetes Nurse Educator at the Center for Diabetes Education and Outreach Nutrition at Catawba Valley Medical Center. She received her B. S. in Community Health Education from the University of Tennessee.  She also received her A. D. N. from Madisonville Community College and her B. S. in Nursing from Missouri Western State University.  In addition to her role at the Diabetes and Nutrition Center, she is also the Wellness Nurse for the Health First Center providing community and corporate wellness vaccines and health screenings.  She also works in the Infection Prevention Department and Occupational/Employee Health.  As a nurse for over 16 years, Meghan has focused experience in infection prevention, community health and has worked with patients of all ages. Meghan is passionate about helping meet people where they are in their health journey, teaching diabetes and gestational diabetes classes, and bringing health knowledge and resources out to the community.

mbergman@catawbavalleymc.org

Ashley Ramirez, MS, PLDN is an educator at the Center for Diabetes Education at Catawba Valley Medical Center. She received her B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from East Carolina University and M.S. in Nutrition concentration in Public Health Nutrition from Appalachian State University. She is bilingual (English and Spanish). With extensive experience working in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and public health sectors, Ashley has developed a robust understanding of nutritional needs and community health initiatives. She is passionate about promoting healthy eating habits, and she is dedicated to making positive impact through evidence-based nutrition education and support.

aramirez1@catawbavalleymc.org

Lisa Meade, Pharm D, CDCES is a clinical pharmacist and diabetes educator. She received her B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her PharmD from Ole Miss. After finishing her Doctor of Pharmacy she completed a residency in ambulatory care. She has been a pharmacist for 28 years and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist for 15 years. Lisa works in endocrinology and primary care and is a Professor at Wingate University School of Pharmacy. She is also an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor trainer.

lmeade@catawbavalleymc.org

Jennifer Pitts, MES, CPT is the Coordinator of Fitness Plus at Catawba Valley Medical Center. She holds a B.S. in Exercise Science from Appalachian State University along with 8 years of experience practicing corrective exercise, medical fitness, and personal training. Jennifer and the other Health & Fitness Specialists at Fitness Plus promote Exercise as Medicine using their knowledge and experience to develop exercise plans for individuals that may have a medical condition such as arthritis, Parkinson’s, stroke, osteoporosis, scoliosis, diabetes, pain, joint replacements or any other condition that can benefit from exercise!

jpitts@catawbavalleymc.org

Alexi Cardwell, EP, CPT is an Exercise Physiologist for Fitness Plus at Catawba Valley Medical Center. She holds a B.S. in Exercise Science and M.S. in Strength and Conditioning from Gardner-Webb University along with 2 years of experience practicing corrective exercise, medical fitness, and personal training. As an Exercise physiologist she promotes Exercise as Medicine using her knowledge and experience to develop exercise plans for individuals that may have a medical condition. She can collaborate with individuals who have conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, scoliosis, diabetes, pain, joint replacements, and many more! Alexi is passionate about helping individuals achieve their health and fitness goals!

amcardwell@catawbavalleymc.org