Happy Belated National Rural Health Day (it was yesterday)! Since I live in a rural area, this actually has meaning for me. Having diabetes and living in a rural area can be empowering and intimidating.
Some people live in a metropolitan area, yet choose to drive many miles or even take a train or fly to see their health care providers. Others live in rural areas and have no choice. The closest endocrinologist (medical doctor who specializes in diabetes) may be three hours away, as in my case. It’s still a choice. I choose to take a day out of my life every three to six months and drive to Denver for my diabetes “check-ups.”
When I was pregnant the first time, I was advised by a friend who is a nurse-midwife to only deliver in my rural town if they typically deliver at least three hundred babies per year. Our hospital wasn’t up to that number at that point (they’re past it now), but I decided to stick it out because my OB was really good about staying in close communication with my endocrinologist. I did have to go to Denver for a fetal echocardiogram, so that in the event that the baby’s heart was in danger I would deliver in Denver. Luckily, that was not the case and I delivered right here in our little 29-bed hospital, twice!
It’s important to get the care you need and deserve regardless of where you live. You can find the nearest diabetes educator by calling 1-800-TEAMUP4 and entering your address. One drawback to living in a rural location is that you may not have too many providers to choose from. It’s a good idea to have a general provider (family practitioner, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or internist) who you can go to for regular physical exams, screenings, or if you are sick.
Some rural areas have top-notch health care. And there are amazing people all over the country who are working to improve care for those in rural places. Certainly the internet can provide information and answers to questions; just make sure you are getting your information/answers from reputable sources. Rural places are not as likely to have the numbers of people with diabetes that are found in cities. It’s less likely to find “meet-ups” and such, and support groups may not be as plentiful. Not to worry – you can find lots of friends with diabetes through social media. There are countless opportunities to meet people, compare experiences, share stories and suggestions, and support each other through diabetes-related websites. A quick Google seach will lead you to these resources.