As diabetes rates continue to rise across Canada, the importance of Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs) in frontline healthcare has never been more apparent. In Ontario alone, over 1.6 million people live with diabetes, and many more are at risk. Amid this growing public health challenge, Marline Henin is emerging as a leading advocate and provider of diabetes education, directly bringing vital knowledge and support to patients in need.

As a Certified Diabetes Educator practicing in Gravenhurst, Marline Henin is pivotal in patients managing Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes, and even pre-diabetic conditions. Her work empowers individuals through education, tailored support, and practical strategies that extend far beyond the typical physician consultation. “Diabetes is not something you manage with a single prescription,” says Henin. “It requires daily choices, emotional support, and a deep understanding of how different aspects of life impact blood sugar.”

Unlike general practitioners who may only have minutes with each patient, Henin provides in-depth, personalized education, often through one-on-one sessions or small groups. She guides patients through essential skills such as insulin delivery, nutrition planning, glucose monitoring, and exercise routines. Each plan is carefully customized to match the patient’s lifestyle, preferences, and medical needs.

Marline Henin’s commitment to community health is especially impactful in smaller towns like Gravenhurst, where access to specialized care can be limited. Her consistent presence as a local CDE means patients don’t have to travel long distances or rely on visiting clinicians for diabetes management. “Being here every day allows me to build real, trusting relationships,” Henin notes. “That’s how lasting change happens.”

To become a Certified Diabetes Educator in Canada, professionals like Marline Henin must complete a rigorous certification process. This process includes years of clinical experience, extensive diabetes-specific training, and success in the Canadian Diabetes Educator Certification Board (CDECB) exam. Maintaining this certification requires ongoing education and a demonstrated commitment to staying at the forefront of diabetes care.

Henin’s efforts are part of a broader shift in Ontario’s healthcare system, where there’s increasing recognition of CDEs’ value. From pharmacy-led clinics to family health teams, more healthcare organizations are integrating diabetes educators to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital admissions. Research consistently shows that patients working with CDEs have better blood sugar control, higher confidence in managing their condition, and fewer complications.

In Gravenhurst, Marline Henin works within a multidisciplinary clinic that pairs her diabetes expertise with the broader skills of physicians, nurses, and pharmacists. This team-based approach ensures comprehensive care for patients, many of whom would otherwise struggle to navigate complex insulin regimens or conflicting dietary advice alone.

“Education is not a one-time event,” says Henin. “I may see a newly diagnosed patient weekly for the first month, and then we move to monthly check-ins. What’s important is that they feel equipped and supported every step of the way.”

Marline Henin’s influence also extends beyond the clinic walls. She frequently participates in public outreach, speaking at schools, senior centers, and community events, to raise awareness of diabetes risk factors and prevention strategies. Her work addresses social determinants of health, especially among marginalized populations who often face higher diabetes risk and lower access to care.

Ontario’s healthcare planners are beginning to take notice of professionals like Marline Henin. New funding for community-based diabetes programs and increased interest in virtual diabetes education platforms are creating opportunities to expand the reach of CDEs. Still, access gaps persist, especially in rural areas.

That’s why Henin’s work is so crucial. Her local presence bridges these gaps, ensures continuity of care, and empowers patients to take control of their health. For those living with diabetes, having Marline Henin as an advocate and educator means more than just managing numbers; it means achieving a better quality of life.

As the need for comprehensive diabetes care grows, Ontario communities will require more dedicated professionals like Marline Henin. Her passion for education and unwavering patient support make her a cornerstone of a more personalized, proactive approach to chronic disease management.

Nashville, TN, 30th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Drug-Free Tennessee, the local chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, is launching into its busiest summer yet with a wave of activities aimed at youth education and prevention. With NFL football camps taking place across the state and the global spotlight on the FIFA World Cup, Drug-Free Tennessee is helping tens of thousands this summer with its message of living drug-free.

NFL players, inspired by Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk—who became the national spokesperson for the Foundation for a Drug-Free World—are organizing youth football camps in cities throughout Tennessee. These camps will incorporate training not only on athletic skills but also on making smart, healthy life choices. Each participant will receive copies of the Truth About Drugs educational materials, a cornerstone of the Foundation’s prevention initiative.

“Sports have always been a great way to engage youth,” said Julie Brinker, spokesperson for Drug-Free Tennessee. “With NFL stars stepping up and becoming role models both on and off the field, they’re helping us connect the dots between physical health, discipline, and staying drug-free.”

Simultaneously, Drug-Free Ambassadors will be on the ground at FIFA World Cup viewing events and gatherings, distributing educational materials and speaking with fans about the importance of drug prevention. With matches coinciding with the United Nations’ International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, the organization plans special outreach efforts to maximize awareness.

“This is a unique moment,” said Brinker. “The whole world is watching sports—both football and soccer—and we have an opportunity to plant seeds of truth and prevention in the minds of millions.”

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World provides free resources to educators, parents, community groups, and individuals worldwide. Their Truth About Drugs booklet series and documentary-style videos have reached hundreds of millions globally and are available in 22 languages.

For more information, or to get involved in the campaign this summer, visit www.drugfreetn.org or www.drugfreeworld.org.

About Drug-Free Tennessee
Drug-Free Tennessee is the Tennessee chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free lives.