Managing diabetes can be a challenge, so having a health care provider near home who has an in-depth knowledge of the condition and specialized training is comforting.

Patty Ryan, Mercy RN, is also now a certified diabetes educator. With her guidance and expertise, patients at Mercy Hospital Fort Scott are better able to control diabetes – and that makes for a more active lifestyle with fewer visits to the doctor’s office.

“Throughout my career as a nurse, I have encountered so many people who were struggling with diabetes as well as with the long-term complications that are a risk of diabetes,” Ryan said. “I became a believer in the more you know, the better you can manage this condition.

“In my own family there are people affected by Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes,” added Ryan. “After an immediate family member was diagnosed, I found I wanted to pursue working in diabetes education. I feel that the greatest rewards are giving someone the ability to help themselves and live a healthier life.”

“In my role as a certified diabetic educator, I aim to educate and support those at risk for or diagnosed with diabetes.”

A certified diabetes educator is knowledgeable in prevention, prediabetes and diabetes management. To obtain this certification, a person must complete 1,000 hours of providing diabetes-related education, complete 15 continuing education hours, and apply to take and pass the CDE exam as well as having worked 2 years in a qualifying position. Re-certification is required every 5 years.

Ryan hosts a bi-monthly diabetes support group on Monday at 6 p.m. in McAuley Room C at Mercy Hospital Fort Scott located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. The group is open to the public. No reservation or pre-registration is required.

For more information about the diabetes support group, call Patty Ryan at 620-223-8412.

Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2017 and 2016 by Truven, an IBM Watson Health company, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.