Debbi Tally

Profession: Diabetes Educator

Employer: Retired

Hometown: Steuben County

Why did I choose this profession?

I have had diabetes for 51 years.  Educating others helped me to better understand why I had diabetes and how I could help others to deal with this illness.
Several doctors recognized, encouraged and assisted in my getting informal and formal diabetes education, to better assist/educate people on how to work with their diabetes.
A number of people with diabetes, in the community, asked to be better educated on diabetes, its care and treatment.  As a result of this request, Diabetes On Target Education & Support groups was started in 1995.
To educate individuals, families and employers on how to better assist people with their diabetes.

What do I love most about my job?

Helping others to live longer, healthy and happy, with their diabetes.  The thank yous are priceless.

What was a pivotal moment in my career?

Having doctors ask my advice on how to better treat their patients with diabetes that were having health problems and also asking me to talk for their diabetes education & support groups.

What is the best advice I have received related to my field?

"Learn all you can about diabetes and keep yourself up-to-date, as diabetes treatments and care, are forever changing."

Why would I recommend someone to this field?

The information given to a person with diabetes, like diet and exercise guidelines, are health isues all people should use.  If the instructor lives up to his/her directions that they give to others with diabetes, they themselves may live a healthier life.

When not working, I enjoy the following:

Making decorative wreaths, potpourri lights and other crafts, visiting with friends of all ages, reading, and doing crossword puzzles.