When Nicole Gettridge was diagnosed with diabetes, she faced it head-on by talking to her doctor about her options. But she wasn’t sure where to begin, and at times she felt overwhelmed.
That all changed once she was referred to UAB Medicine St. Vincent’s One Nineteen, where Gettridge found the care and resources she needed in a single location. This convenient health and wellness facility just off U.S. Highway 280 provides access to multiple medical specialties and amenities such as a gym, a spa, and wellness services.
“The incredibly supportive staff at UAB Medicine St. Vincent’s One Nineteen helped me lower my numbers and developed a meal plan to help manage my diabetes and weight loss,” Gettridge said. “I received nutrition counseling and participated in the diabetes fitness program. The staff motivated and inspired me to make healthier food choices and remain physically active.”
Well-rounded approach
UAB Medicine St. Vincent’s One Nineteen relies on a well-rounded approach to diabetes management. The outpatient program pairs patients with a personal trainer, who helps create a personalized fitness plan, and patients also are connected with diabetes education and nutrition specialists.
“We’re able to offer a holistic plan to address diabetes and how to manage it,” said Chelsea Henderson, fitness member navigator at UAB Medicine St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. “I connect our patients who have diabetes with a 12-week medical fitness program designed to help.”
This program includes time with a nutrition specialist, such as registered dietitian Donna Sibley.
Among other things, dietitians help explain the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates and how they affect your health. Patients also learn about macronutrients, eating out, avoiding convenience foods, grocery shopping, meal prep, snacking, meal services, and emotional eating.
“We work to meet people where they are, nutritionally,” Sibley said. “We take what they’re eating and make simple swaps and changes, so that real change is achievable.”
Focus on prevention
In addition to helping patients manage their diabetes, the care teams at UAB St. Vincent’s also focus on those with pre-diabetes or are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, which is often preventable. The team reviews patients’ health histories, educates them on diabetes and treatment options, and creates a personalized care plan to help them meet their goals.
“My hope as a provider is to educate patients about the dangers of diabetes and also help them make meaningful lifestyle changes that can often decrease their likelihood of developing diabetes,” said Allison Chappell, M.D., a primary care physician at UAB Medicine St. Vincent’s Primary Care Greystone Village.
Diabetes is commonly associated with serious health conditions such as stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and even the loss of limbs. Symptoms of diabetes include:
- Blurry or worsening vision
- Extreme fatigue (tiredness)
- Frequent hunger and/or thirst
- Frequent urination
- Pain or numbness in hands or feet
- Wounds that are slow to heal or cause a tingling sensation
“Most people who are pre-diabetic have no idea, but if we can catch these symptoms early, we have a much greater chance of helping patients make lifestyle changes before their condition worsens,” Dr. Chappell said.
To take part in the medical fitness program and nutrition counseling at UAB Medicine St. Vincent’s One Nineteen, please call 205-408-6516. To schedule a diabetes management counseling appointment or for more information, please call 205-939-7248. A referral is required and can be faxed to 205-930-2931