OSKALOOSA — November is National Diabetes Month, and the staff at Mahaska Health Partnership held an educational event Tuesday to inform the public about the diabetic resources available to them. MHP Diabetes Educator Sharon Ferguson and other local health care professionals had displays for topics such as dietary planning, blood glucose testing and medications available. “During the last three years, I’ve worked with over 500 patients,” Ferguson said. “That’s the tip of the iceberg.” Ferguson, a certified diabetes educator who has worked directly with at least 2,000 patients, runs a monthly support group and a diabetes education class. the monthly support group meets at Mahaska Health Partnership, she said. “we offer the 10 hour class Diabetes WISE,” she said. the course begins with a one hour individual consultation followed by nine hours of group education. the course is accredited with the American Diabetes Association, she said. Through education, the patient can help manage their diabetes, Ferguson said. MHP also offers blood glucose testing. People who need their blood sugar tested can call Ferguson at MHP and set up a time to come in and get tested. Ferguson said she also is available to lower-income people. “I do volunteer at the Free Medical Clinic here at the MHP campus,” she said. Ferguson is there on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. MHP Dietitian Lea Rice also has some advice for people who suspect they are diabetic or who are recently diagnosed with the illness. Rice said people can fill their dinner plates with a half plate of fruits and vegetables, a quarter of the plate with protein and a quarter of the plate with whole grains. she also advises people to meet with a dietitian to develop an individualized meal plan. —————— Herald Editor Duane Nollen can be reached by email at

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