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.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
