Marion Miano, RN, CDE has worked at Orleans Community Health for the past eleven years as a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). There are only approximately 18,000 Certified Diabetes Educators in all of the U.S. Gaining the distinction of being a CDE requires taking a national certification exam after first documenting at least 1,000 hours of diabetes teaching. Maintaining continuing education credits and obtaining re-certification by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators every five years is necessary to keep the CDE status.
“Self-management of diabetes is critical. Patient education about diabetes is essential to effectively managing it, ” says Marion. “People with diabetes need to learn about how and when to take medications, how and when to monitor blood glucose (blood sugar), meal planning basics, how to treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), healthful coping strategies, physical activity, when to call a physician, and methods of reducing risk.” Diabetes educators like Marion help patients and their families learn what they need to know about diabetes, help them set realistic goals that can actually be achieved, and equip them with the necessary skills to lead a healthier life.
Marion teaches classes in diabetes programs and conducts support groups at different times of the year. While she has worked at Orleans Community Health for the past 11 years, she has been a diabetic educator for 22 years. She has 18 grandchildren and one great grandchild. She spends a lot of time watching those grandchildren at softball, basketball and football games. Marion’s daughter is also a Certified Diabetes Educator.