Diabetes is a condition that impacts how our bodies transform food into energy. It can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening health issues such as blindness, kidney disease and heart failure. It is not curable but can be effectively treated, so that those who have it are able to live long, productive lives. Balancing medications with a diet designed specifically for diabetics can greatly reduce any complications.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes or are afraid you may be at risk of developing diabetes, the Western Washington Medical Group Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center is here to help. Better yet, with five satellite offices, you can choose to receive care in the location most convenient to you. Those offices are located in Arlington, Bothell, Marysville, Silver Lake and Snohomish.
I’m Not Sure if I am at Risk for Diabetes. What Should I Look For?
The signs of diabetes can easily be confused with other ailments, but if you are experiencing multiple symptoms, it’s probably best to see a medical professional. Here are some of the most common diabetes symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Increased thirst
- Blurred vision
- Cuts and bruises that don’t heal as quickly as they should
- Excessive fatigue
- Numbness in hands and feet
- Weight loss
What Types of Things Can I be Treated for at the Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center?
The medical professionals at the Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center are trained to offer counseling, classes and tools to help with the following:
- Insulin syringe and injection training
- Insulin pump training
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Foot care
- Medications
- Management of diabetes during pregnancy
- Nutrition and meal planning
- Exercise
- Management of sick days
- Prevention and detection of diabetes complications
Meet the Team
Our Department of Diabetes & Nutrition boasts a wonderful team of licensed professionals with various skills and areas of expertise in the field. They can help develop pre-diabetic and diabetic diet plans and advise on the most appropriate classes to take at the clinics. Our group includes the following providers:
Jessica Bluto, MS, RD, CDE, is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University and Tufts University. She specializes in Nutrition. She is a Certified Diabetes Educator and has special training in Medtronic, OmniPod and Tandem Insulin Pumps, as well as Dexcom, Medtronic and Libre Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM). Her philosophy in care is to “respect how important food is to people and provide guidance on how to make small changes better fit their lifestyles.”
Dawn Jae, MS, RD, CDE, is a graduate of Western Washington University and Bastyr University. She specializes in Nutrition. She is affiliated with the Association of American Diabetes Educators (AADE), the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and the Washington Association of Diabetes Educators (WADE). She has special training in CPR. Her philosophy in care is to “help you understand what is happening in your body and then help you discover small, sustainable, changes that will empower you around your food and activity choices.”
Stefanie Leniszewski, MS, RD, CD, CDE, is a graduate of Washington State University and the University of Utah. She specializes in Nutrition. She is a Certified Diabetes Educator and has special training in Animas, Medtronic, OmniPod, Roche and Tandem Insulin Pumps, as well as Dexcom, Medtronic and Libre Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM). She is affiliated with the American Association of Diabetes Educators, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and the Washington Association of Diabetes Educators (WADE). Her philosophy in care is to “meet patients where they are and to partner with them to develop individualized steps toward optimal health and well-being.”
Rajani Ravi, RD, CDE, is a graduate of Bastyr University and Bangalore University. She specializes in Dietetics. She is affiliated with the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, the Washington State Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics and the North Sound Dietetic Association. She is certified in Adult Weight Management. Her philosophy in care is to “help people achieve their nutritional as well as overall well-being.”
Become a Patient
If you’re interested in making an appointment or registering for classes at our Western Washington Medical Group Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center, complete the form on this page. In advance of an appointment you may also want to take the Self-Assessment found on this page. We look forward to seeing you.