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 explainwhat specialists do andwhen 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 theAmerican Diabetes Association (ADA). Our educators, who are experienced registered nurses and dietitians, specialize in guiding participants to effectively manage their diabetes.
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 at540.741.2210. 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
- Cosner's Corner Patient Welcome Packet
- Cosner's Corner Pregnant Patient Welcome Packet
- Stafford Patient Welcome Packet
- Stafford Pregnant Patient Welcome Packet
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, BS, RD, CDCES, CPT*
Team Leader & Diabetes Educator
BS in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University
Dietetic Internship - Virginia State UniversityOver 25 years of experience as a dietitian
Over 20 years experience as a CDCES
MWH Employee of the Month July 2015Specializes in renal nutrition and insulin pumps/CGM therapy
Stefanie enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys and creating greeting cards.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 HospitalOver 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, RD*
Diabetes EducatorParminder Singh, BSN, RN, CDCES*
Diabetes Educator
BS in Nursing from University of Mary Washington20 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, BSN, RN, CDCES*
Diabetes Educator
BS in Nursing from George Mason University
5 years of experience as an RN
Associate of the Month April 2021Courtney enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and cat; vegetable gardening; and playing trivia games.
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 dietitianSarah likes cycling and cooking, and enjoys spending time with her husband, two boys, and two dogs.
Gitte Lett
Diabetes Service Specialist
Mary Washington Associate for over 20 years providing outstanding customer service and program supportGitte 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
How Much WaterDo You Need?
Health and NutritionMythbusters
Read more articles
TheAmerican Diabetes Association offers a monthlyAsk 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 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 at540.741.2210.
View upcoming events and photos
Other Diabetes Resources
Disease Education
Exercise and Nutrition
Medication
Support Groups
