Cornwell Earns Diabetes Educator Status

Leighsa Cornwell, RN, BS, IBCLC, of Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center, has earned national recognition as a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE).

Cornwell completed stringent testing requirements to earn the CDE certification from the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators.

A Certified Diabetes Educator is a health professional who possesses comprehensive knowledge of and experience in diabetes management, prediabetes, and diabetes prevention. CDEs educate and support people affected by diabetes to help them understand and manage the condition. They also promote self-management to achieve individualized goals that optimize health outcomes.

Cornwell was hired as clinical director of the PCH/FMC Diabetes Education Program in 2011. She replaced Debbie Griffin, FNP-C, CDE, who transitioned to a family nurse practitioner in the Paris Family Medical Center. As the program’s clinical director, Cornwell provides diabetes education and continuous follow-up care for diabetic patients. She also functions as the community health and disease management coordinator at PCH/FMC and provides monthly health screenings at a discounted rate.

Additionally, she is an internationally board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) who counsels breastfeeding mothers.

Cornwell received her RN degree and bachelor’s of science degree in community health from Indiana State University. She is a member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the International Lactation Consultant Association.

Cornwell can be reached at (217) 465-2606, Ext. 228 for appointments, breastfeeding questions, and other community health needs.

Recognized Diabetes Program
The PCH/FMC Diabetes Education Program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for excellence in diabetes education. It provides health screenings, education with certified professionals, nutrition counseling, and wound care services.