Diabetes Awareness Month: Mon Health Providers, Educators Lead with Comprehensive Care Programs

This November, in recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, Vandalia Health’s Mon Health System providers are tackling the diabetes crisis in West Virginia and the surrounding regions by raising awareness, providing education, and offering accessible services for the prevention and management of the disease.

Nearly 16% of adults in West Virginia live with diabetes, with many more at risk due to conditions like obesity and prediabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports.

Mon Health’s primary care providers play a pivotal role in screening for diabetes by identifying at-risk patients and creating individualized care plans. Through regular check-ups and preventive care, they ensure patients have the support needed to make meaningful changes that reduce their risk of developing diabetes or complications from it.

“We want to reduce the impact of diabetes in our region and get the absolute best outcomes for our patients. The way we accomplish this at Mon Health is through prevention, early detection, education, and ongoing support,” said Dr. Bonnie Forman, Primary Care Physician at Mon Health Preston Primary Care in Kingwood. “I encourage all West Virginians to take the first step in diabetes prevention by scheduling an appointment with their health care provider to discuss their risk factors.”

In addition to primary care, Mon Health Medical Center’s Diabetes Learning Center, now at its new location at Mon Health Medical Park in Morgantown, offers a full range of diabetes care services aimed at both prevention and long-term disease management, including:

• Diabetes Self-Management Education: This ADA-recognized program equips patients with the knowledge and tools to manage their diabetes effectively. It includes education on lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and how to monitor blood sugar levels.
  
• Medical Nutrition Therapy: Led by Denise Giroux, RD, Diabetes Educator at Mon Health Medical Center, this service provides patients with customized meal planning, helping them control blood sugar through a balanced diet tailored to individual health needs.
• National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP): This CDC-recognized program targets those at risk for type 2 diabetes, offering guidance on healthier lifestyle choices to prevent the disease. The program includes workshops focused on nutrition, physical activity, and weight management.
• Outreach and Support: Mon Health providers are also dedicated to community engagement, offering free diabetes screenings, support groups, and educational workshops to raise awareness about diabetes risks and empower individuals to take control of their health. Vandalia Health’s Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital hosts monthly meetings for the Diabetes Education and Support Group. Sponsored by the Preston County Health Department, the group meets at 6PM the third Wednesday of each month in the hospital’s conference room.  

“For persons newly diagnosed with type 2 or type 1 diabetes, or prediabetes, know that every small step you take toward a healthier lifestyle makes a difference,” said Giroux. “Managing blood sugar doesn’t mean perfection. It means progress. Simple changes like choosing the right foods, staying active, and prioritizing self-care are powerful tools. We want our patients to know that they are not alone on this journey, and with the right support, they can take control of their health one day at a time.” 

For those persons with diabetes who need specialized care for chronic wounds, Mon Health Wound Care offers state-of-the-art therapies including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO). HBO aids in the healing of wounds by delivering concentrated oxygen to the bloodstream, which helps boost circulation, speeds up tissue repair, and reduces the risk of infection.

To learn more about diabetes care at Mon Health, visit MonHealth.com/DiabetesCare