A diabetes diagnosis can feel like the beginning of a lonely, uphill journey. At UM Charles Regional, patients quickly learn they don’t have to navigate it alone.
“Managing diabetes is about more than just medication,” said Tadele Desalew, MD, endocrinologist at UM Charles Regional. “We work closely with each patient to develop a care plan that is practical, sustainable and fits their real life.”
A Team Sport
The team at UM Charles Regional includes medical providers, nurses, dietitians, diabetes educators, mental health providers and the patient’s own family.
Together, they help patients manage blood sugar levels, build healthy habits and stay motivated.
“The plan I provide should be simple and easy to implement,” Dr. Desalew said. “It has to feel like it belongs to the patient.”
The Game Plan: Practical And Personal
Managing diabetes involves several key components: monitoring blood sugar, eating well, staying active, taking medications as prescribed and checking in with your health care team. While this may sound overwhelming, it becomes more manageable with support and a plan tailored to your life.
“The goal is not perfection,” Dr. Desalew said. “It’s progress.”
“Diabetes management is a journey. Setbacks are normal. The important thing is to focus on progress and practice self-compassion.”
— Tadele Desalew, MD, Endocrinologist at UM Charles Regional Medical Group – Diabetes and Endocrinology
Comprehensive Support
UM Charles Regional patients have access to a comprehensive range of diabetes support services. Diabetes education classes teach the basics of daily care, covering topics from blood sugar monitoring techniques to recognizing signs of complications.
Registered dietitians work one-on-one with patients to create personalized meal plans that consider cultural preferences, budget constraints and family dynamics.
The medical center also partners with the Charles County Department of Health to offer wellness programs that extend beyond the clinic walls. These community-based initiatives provide ongoing support and education in familiar, accessible settings.
Mental health support is equally important. “Living with diabetes can be emotionally draining,” Dr. Desalew said. “The team uses a
multidisciplinary approach to support patients mentally and physically.” This includes individual counseling referrals and group support options that help patients connect with others facing similar challenges. Many patients find comfort in sharing experiences and learning from peers who understand the daily realities of diabetes management.
Technology That Has Your Back
Today’s technology helps patients stay on top of their care more effectively than ever before. Continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs, provide real-time blood sugar readings without the need for frequent finger sticks. Insulin pumps deliver precise doses automatically, reducing the burden of multiple daily injections.
“These tools help patients respond quickly to changes and make more informed decisions,” Dr. Desalew explained. “The medical center staff continuously integrates new technology to enhance care.”
Health care apps can track meals, exercise, medication schedules and blood sugar trends,
providing valuable data for both patients and their care teams. Some devices also allow family members to remotely monitor blood sugar levels, providing an additional layer of support and peace of mind.
The key is finding the right combination of tools for each individual. Not every patient needs the most advanced technology, but everyone can benefit from some level of digital support in their diabetes management journey.
To learn more about diabetes management at UM Charles Regional, visit umcharlesregional.org/diabetes or call 301-609-6397.
Your Diabetes Playbook: Winning Moves
- Find your squad: Join a support group and discover you’re not the only one who’s ever stress-eaten cookies or forgotten to check blood sugar. Sometimes the best medicine is knowing you’re not alone.
- Fuel like a champion: Team up with a dietitian to craft meals that taste great and work with your real life — no bland “diet food” required.
- Move like you mean it: Forget the gym membership guilt.
- Park farther away, take the stairs, dance while cooking dinner. Every step counts! Your glucose meter will thank you.
- Let tech be your teammate: CGMs and health apps aren’t just fancy gadgets — they’re your personal diabetes coaches, giving you real-time feedback without the whistle.
Building Your Support Network
Friends and family play a vital role in successful diabetes management. Whether it’s joining you for a walk, helping prepare healthy meals or simply checking in regularly, their involvement helps you stay motivated and accountable.
Encouraging loved ones to learn about diabetes can make conversations easier and more productive. When family members understand the condition, they can provide more meaningful support and recognize when additional help might be needed.
Consider organizing family meetings with your health care team or attending diabetes education classes together. This shared learning experience strengthens your support network and ensures everyone is working toward the same goals.
At UM Charles Regional, patients are never expected to manage diabetes on their own. Diabetes care works best when it’s personal, team-based and rooted in community support. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking for better balance, your team is ready whenever you are.
To learn more about diabetes management at UM Charles Regional, visit umcharlesregional.org/diabetes or call 301-609-6397.
Listen to a Podcast
Learn how to develop healthy habits that support blood sugar control, reduce stress and fit into a busy lifestyle. Teri White, BS, RN, CDCES, a transitional nurse navigator and diabetic educator at UM Charles Regional Medical Center, shares her top strategies for sustainable diabetes care. Listen to the podcast below.
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