posted
on 11/19/2025
in
BLOGS from St. Anthony
A Team Approach to Better Health
At the Chronic Care Center, patients receive individualized support from our diabetes team, which includes a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and advanced registered nurse practitioner. Together, they create a personalized care plan that fits each person’s lifestyle and health goals.
“Overall, it’s amazing to me,” said Gary Randel, a patient from Greenfield, Iowa. “The team approach they have … Every appointment that I’ve been to up there, I’ve come away learning something. I usually have someone go with me just to take notes because there’s so much information. It’s just wonderful.”
Through our comprehensive program, patients not only receive personalized guidance but also learn how to manage their diabetes, prediabetes or gestational diabetes confidently, including monitoring their blood sugar, understanding medications and developing meal plans that fit their needs. Education is a cornerstone of care at the Chronic Care Center. It helps patients become less fearful of diabetes and more proactive in managing their health, giving them the power to control their condition instead of letting it control them.
Randel added, “My overall outlook of diabetes and what I’ve accomplished in a relatively short period of time — about a year since I’ve started going there — I feel so much more knowledgeable about it. My blood sugars are good, and so are my percentages on my Dexcom. It’s hard to believe I’m doing as good as I am.”
He also stressed the importance of attending appointments consistently, saying, “I put a lot of emphasis on making appointments because I feel so much more understanding of what’s going on with my diabetes — I come away with more knowledge every time. I feel that each appointment is very important.”
Programs to Fit your Needs
The St. Anthony Chronic Care Center offers a variety of services to help patients manage their condition at every stage and improve their health:
- One-on-one diabetes education
- Monthly group diabetes classes
- Insulin pump therapy
- Continuous glucose monitoring
- Insulin start
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Weight management
Diabetes Prevention Program
“Our diabetes education services are recognized by the American Diabetes Association, and staff complete annual recertification to stay current with the latest care standards,” said Cara Vogl, ARNP, BC-ADM, Chronic Care Center nurse practitioner and coordinator of diabetes services for St. Anthony. “Our goal is to ensure patients receive the most comprehensive care possible from a qualified team of experts who have their best interests at heart. That includes providing regular education and support programs, such as our Diabetes Prevention Program, to help individuals make impactful and long-term changes that improve their overall health and make them feel confident as they navigate their new normal.”
The Diabetes Prevention Program is a yearlong, lifestyle-change program led by certified lifestyle coaches designed to help participants implement lasting changes to reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes. St. Anthony is also recognized as a Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program supplier, offering eligible participants a once-in-a-lifetime preventive benefit.
Care Worth the Drive
Randel lives in Greenfield but works in Guthrie Center and travels to Carroll for his appointments at the Chronic Care Center. “It’s still a trip up there, but it’s the best use of my time,” he said. “It’s very much worth the effort every time I go there. I wouldn’t consider going anywhere else, even if it was closer.”
His dedication underscores how personalized, comprehensive care can make a difference in managing diabetes. With consistent support from the St. Anthony team, patients like Randel gain the knowledge, tools and confidence to take control of their condition.
“Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for years, the St. Anthony Chronic Care Center is here to support you every step of the way,” said Vogl. “Our team provides individualized guidance and education to help you manage diabetes, prediabetes or gestational diabetes confidently and improve your overall health.”
To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 712-794-5901 or email the Chronic Care Center. You can also visit the center’s website to explore programs, services and resources available to help you take control of your health today.