Tarentum nurse hopes to expand audience with diabetes talks in Brackenridge

A series of public discussions on diabetes was so well-received last summer that a Tarentum nurse is doing it again this year.

The main difference will be the location. Denise Kissell, a registered nurse and certified diabetes educator, is holding the talks in the gazebo in Brackenridge Memorial Park.

The series will run from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. over four Tuesdays, starting July 9. There’s no cost and no registration is required.

“It’s not about me. It’s about reaching people,” said Kissell, who works at Alle-Kiski Medical Associates. “I just believe you’re supposed to give back a little bit. This is something I can do that is helpful. There’s a need.”

Like last year, the talks will focus on Type 2 diabetes, the most common form that results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin.

“It was so well received and people found it made a difference,” Kissell said. “Sometimes the simplest change can have a huge impact on your diabetes.”

Those with diabetes or who are pre-diabetic and their caregivers are welcome to attend, Kissell said.

“This is not to take the place of physician care,” she said.

Participants can attend all of the sessions, or any of the individual ones they wish, Kissell said. There will be drinks and snacks, and raffles and giveaways — and a raffle for those who attend all four sessions.

The first will focus on what diabetes is, how it works and how to keep healthy. Healthy eating will be covered in the second session.

The third session will cover monitoring blood glucose, while the fourth and final will serve as a wrap-up.

Depending on how many attend, participants may need to bring their own chairs, Kissell said. They’ll be held rain-or-shine.