Helping diabetes patients live long, full lives
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes. It’s a disease 10-year-old Lindsey Schrandt has dealt with most of her life. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 4. Great Plains Diabetes helps her navigate the disease.
“Once you kind of get through the basics of diabetes, it’s kind of just managing and trying to keep an eye on your blood sugar,” Schrandt said.
The nonprofit offers tools and treatments needed to tackle diabetes.
“It is growing, and it is a common problem that leads to complications that don’t have to happen if people manage their blood sugars, and their blood pressure, and cholesterol,” Belinda Childs, Great Plains Diabetes executive director, said.
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Around 1,400-1,500 people go to its clinic annually, regardless of if they have insurance.
“We have a financial assistance program. We also have about 50 patients on patient-assistance insulin. So they’re getting their insulin through the drug companies,” Childs said. “So having access to those services and education is critical, and they’re grateful.”
The organization also hosts education classes and camps.
“If folks understand how to take care of their diabetes, they can prevent those complications and live long full lives,” Childs said.
Schrandt has gone to its “Camp Live Well” for several years.
“It’s just really fun. You get to experience things. You get to meet people with the same thing you’re going through,” she explained.
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It’s a community Schrandt can count on to help her live long.
You can help support Great Plains Diabetes at Tour de Wichita on Sunday, April 28, at 1 p.m. The event is a fun ride and walk that takes you by some of Wichita’s most popular attractions, neighborhoods, paths, artwork, and architecture.
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