A new diabetes class began at San Quentin’s H-unit in February. “So far the results are promising,” said Nurse Appleton.
After relocating to San Quentin in 2009, Nurse Appleton was looking for ways to help prisoners improve and manage their health. “We diagnose prisoners with a medical condition but don’t educate them on how to manage it,” she said.
Nurses monitor and administer insulin treatment to prisoners while they are incarcerated, but once paroled they are given a 30-day supply so they could treat themselves.
Last year, a prisoner asked Nurse Appleton about the possibility of starting a diabetes class in H-unit.
Nurses Appleton and Pedersen decided to start a trial class by using two prisoners trained in diabetes management by Dr. E. Tootell, Chief Medical Officer of San Quentin. “I wanted to combine my love of teaching with my love of humanity,” Appleton said.
For the first class, Nurse Appleton selected 10 prisoners who had poor track records for diabetes management or had an upcoming parole date.
“I feel good about the response we have been getting,” Nurse Appleton said. “The inmates are enthusiastic and are helping each other.”
The group consisted of diverse ethnicities. They received new glucose meters to monitor the glucose levels. At other prisons, these glucose meters are considered contraband, but at San Quentin, they are authorized after prisoners complete three weeks of the diabetes program.
At Pelican Bay, “there was very little humanity,” Nurse Appleton said. Prisoners at San Quentin are “more generous and caring,” she concluded.
“I feel fortunate to work and teach in San Quentin,” Nurse Appleton said. “I feel that education is power and expect to see further good results from the program.”
