ENID — For those who’ve received a difficult diagnosis, knowing others are out there can offer comfort and resources to cope with a difficult transition.
Support groups are available in Enid for those living with diabetes, suffering from strokes or cardiac events or who are survivors of cancer. The groups often meet on a monthly basis and offer an opportunity to share experiences as well as educate.
Obtaining ‘the knowledge to conquer the disease’
Pamela Baggett, RDLD, and Patti Ruiz, RN and CDE, coordinate a diabetes support group for St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.
The group, which is open to the public, meets 5:30-6:30 p.m. every other month on the first Wednesday in the cafeteria conference room at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, 305 S. 5th.
The women said the group covers educational topics and offers a place for diabetics to exchange information.
“Most of the people have had diabetes for quite a while, and they come for the education,” said Ruiz, a diabetes educator. “It helps to know there are people out there that have diabetes and have to deal with the same issues.”
“We do a variety of topics,” said Baggett.
Baggett, a nutritionist, said the group doesn’t judge diabetics about care but urges them to take proper care of themselves and follow diets.
“We’re not looking at you to say you’re bad,” she said. “We’re not there to judge. We’re there to help.”
“Good control — that’s what matters,” Ruiz said, “not finger pointing, not blaming.”
“I’m going to make some suggestions,” Baggett said, “but if they are not going to work, tell me.”
The women said they see more Type II diabetics, or those with adult onset, than Type I, insulin dependent.
Ruiz, also a diabetic, said she was nurse for 18 years, and when she was diagnosed and became an educator she realized how much she didn’t really know about diabetes.
“With diabetes, unlike other diseases, it is very individual,” she said. “There’s some pretty basic rules that if you do those you’re doing better than most.
“It’s not something you want, but at least I have the knowledge to conquer the disease, and it doesn’t conquer me,” Ruiz said.
Baggett and Ruiz also host an annual diabetes fair in April. This year it will be 4-7 p.m. April 12 in Cherokee Strip Conference Center’s Buffalo Room. The two also prepare a quarterly newsletter.
To obtain information on the group or subscribe to the newsletter, call 249-5678.
Baggett encouraged anyone with diabetes or who has a family member with diabetes to join the group.
“We would love to have more members.”
Health and Wellness
Related Photos
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Pamela Baggett, RDLD, (left) and Patti Ruiz, RN and CDE, discuss diabetes support groups.
Discussion
Groups offer support
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