Fulton resident hired as diabetes educator

Crystal Morris
Crystal Morris

MEXICO, Mo. - Fulton resident Crystal Morris has been hired as the new diabetes educator for SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Audrain. She previously worked for the hospital as an RN case manager.

Morris graduated from Mexico School of Practical Nursing as an LPN in 1996 and then completed her bachelor of science in nursing/RN degree from Lincoln University in Jefferson City in 2007. She then got her instructor license for insulin administration and diabetes education in 2010 through the Missouri Nursing Homes Association.

She will do inpatient and outpatient services, both new diagnosis and uncontrolled, gestational diabetes, pump and insulin therapy, follow-up appointments and take referrals from physicians. Morris also will teach patients how to take medications, plan meals, manage wounds and deal with the daily struggles of having the disease. She will work in the hospital as well as travel to clinics in the surrounding area, schools and health fairs.

Morris said she can relate to her patients.

"I had a young family member die of diabetes," she said. "And I also suffered from gestational diabetes."

Starting May 25, Morris will also host a community Diabetes support group from 6-7 p.m. on the last Wednesday of every other month. The meetings, in the Mexico Room at the hospital, are for individuals with diabetes and their family members. They share day-to-day experiences and updates in diabetes management.

This group is open to the public, and reservations are not necessary.

Diabetic symptoms may include feeling tired, increased thirst, increased hunger, blurry vision, unexplained weight loss or gain, sores that don't heal, very dry skin and a pins and needles feeling in feet. Patients should make an appointment to see a primary care provider for a diagnosis and referral to Morris.

"I am most rewarded by helping people understand their diagnosis and work through their feelings about their disease," Morris said. "As a health care worker, we have the ability to touch lives and make lasting impressions. I want my patients to know we are here to help."

For more information about diabetes management or support group meetings, visit www.ssmhealthmidmo.com.