Diabetes Education* and Resources

Helping You Live Well with Diabetes

Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Our Diabetes Education team provides personalized support, practical tools and expert guidance to help you take control of your health and live your unique, best life.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, adjusting your treatment plan or looking to prevent complications, we are here for you every step of the way.

Our Diabetes Education Program is proud to be accredited by the American Diabetes Association, reflecting our commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based education and support to help you successfully manage your diabetes.

Understanding Diabetes Education Services

Diabetes education services are personalized programs designed to help you understand and manage your condition effectively.

Our certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCES) provide:

Individual Education Sessions

Understanding your diagnosis
Blood glucose monitoring
Medication management (including insulin)
Problem solving for high/low blood sugars

Nutrition Counseling

Meal planning that fits your lifestyle
Carb counting and label reading
Dining out strategies
Weight management support

Lifestyle Coaching

Physical activity guidance
Stress management
Healthy habit building

Technology Training

Continuous glucose monitors
Insulin pumps
Apps and digital tracking tools

Ongoing Support

Follow-up visits
Goal setting and progress tracking
Support for life changes such as pregnancy, illness and travel

Diabetes Education Services are available for:
- Individuals with type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes (and their accompanying family members and caregivers)
- People newly diagnosed or needing refresher education
Your visit is designed to give you the knowledge, tools, and support you need to successfully manage your diabetes. During your appointment, you can expect:
- Personalized assessment of your needs
- A plan tailored to you
- Hands-on learning and real-life strategies
- Time to ask questions in a supportive environment

Get Started Today

Taking control of diabetes starts with a few easy steps:

Ask your primary care provider for a referral to ThedaCare Diabetes Education.
Once your appointment is scheduled, complete the ThedaCare Diabetes Education Questionnaire (PDF) and Diabetes Education Quiz (PDF) in your MyChart account or click on the links to download and print.
Please bring a three-day food log and your glucometer (if you have one) to your appointment. If you printed the questionnaire and quiz at home, please complete them prior to your appointment and bring them along.
Call us if you have any questions or need assistance.

Call us: 920-738-6521

Find a Location

Meet Our Diabetes Education Team

Our team is dedicated, compassionate and highly trained in diabetes care.

Beckie Crisman RN, CDCES

Beckie is a registered nurse with more than 30 years of experience. She’s passionate about helping people achieve better health through compassionate, personalized care. As a certified diabetes care and education specialist and board-certified nurse coach, she provides diabetes education, cardiac rehabilitation and wellness coaching in an outpatient setting. Her goal is to empower each person with the knowledge, confidence and support they need to make lasting, healthy lifestyle changes.
Dana Derenne, MS, RDN, CDCES

Dana is a clinical dietitian and diabetes educator who works with patients in both inpatient care and through the ThedaCare Surgical Optimization and Coordination Clinic. She is committed to helping people better understand their health and use nutrition to manage conditions like diabetes in a realistic, approachable way. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing pickleball and spending time with friends and family, including her three nephews.
Laurie Ehlers, RN, CDCES

As a registered nurse in diabetes care and education, Laurie enjoys collaborating with patients to navigate the day-to-day challenges of diabetes. She provides practical education and support that empowers individuals to make confident choices and work toward their personal wellness goals. Her patient-centered approach reflects the ThedaCare commitment to helping people live well. Outside of work, she enjoys time with family and cheering on the Badgers, Packers and Brewers.
Anne Menzies, MS, RDN, CDCES

Anne specializes in nutrition counseling and diabetes education with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. Her philosophy is that small, realistic changes can lead to meaningful improvements in health and quality of life. Anne is passionate about helping people feel confident in managing their nutrition while enjoying everyday life, including good food, movement and balance.

Class Offerings

Staying Healthy with Diabetes

As the most powerful tool in controlling diabetes, education is essential to self-management. This American Diabetes Association-accredited series features three classes to help you become confident in managing the many ways diabetes can impact your life. Education topics include healthy eating, physical activity, monitoring, medications, problem solving, healthy coping and reducing risks of complications. Our program participants report meeting over 80% of the diabetes self-care goals they have set for themselves. On average, our patients experience a decrease in their A1C from 8.8% (uncontrolled) to 7.0% (controlled) throughout their time in our program.

A physician referral is required, and insurance may cover all or part of program costs. You must complete an initial individual appointment prior to starting classes. Cost is subject to insurance. Your support system is welcome (and encouraged) to attend to learn alongside you. Classes are available at ThedaCare Regional Medical Centers-Appleton and Neenah and ThedaCare Medical Centers-Berlin, New London, Shawano and Waupaca.
Taking Control of Prediabetes

This class is designed for people with prediabetes, high blood sugar or high triglycerides. It offers strategies for taking control of your health and reducing your risk of developing diabetes. Through four dietitian-led live classes that take place virtually, you will learn essential lifestyle strategies. These include understanding carbohydrates, fiber and sugar, making healthier choices with portion sizes, and incorporating physical activity into daily routines. This class also focuses on practical goal setting to support lifelong behavior change.

Sign up today by calling Lifestyle Medicine at 920-454-7912

Virtual Visits Coming Soon

Access care from the comfort of your home with secure telehealth appointment.

Resources

Blood sugar log sheets (PDF)
ThedaCare Diabetes Education Questionnaire (PDF)
Diabetes Education Quiz (PDF)
Diabetes Education Videos
Meal planning tips include:
- Eat three balanced meals each day at consistent times, avoid skipping meals, and spread carbohydrates evenly throughout the day.
- Choose high-fiber foods (25-30 grams daily), healthy fats, and practice portion control by limiting saturated fats and increasing vegetables and fresh fruit.
- Read food labels, watch serving sizes, and use measuring tools to help manage portions accurately.
- Plan ahead for sick days, dining out, and special occasions.
Explore additional meal planning resources through the American Diabetes Association.
Diabetes Hotline 920-454-3166