Helping patients live well with diabetes

In 2018, Ranelle Kircher, a Certified Diabetes Educator and Nutritionist, joined the NHS team. Ranelle has unique background combining culinary arts, nutrition and diabetes education, and working with diverse cultures. She works with diabetes patients to help them live well and manage their condition.

Ranelle teaches monthly classes to cover the basics of living well with diabetes. She also leads grocery tours so patients can learn how to shop strategically and enjoy the foods they love. Classes focus on managing medication, successfully monitoring blood sugars, and making healthy lifestyle choices.

“It’s the patients doing all the hard work. I simply coach them on how to make sustainable changes and connect them to resources to improve their health.”

Ranelle Kirchner, CDE

According to Ranelle, one of the most rewarding parts of her job is seeing patients react when they lower their a1c (blood sugars). Oftentimes, she explains, patients are shocked at the level of improvement they see after working with her. “It’s the patients doing all the hard work,” says Ranelle. “I simply coach them on how to make sustainable changes and connect them to resources to improve their health.”