Meet Helen Cyster Your Specialist Diabetes Educator

In 2009, I initiated my role as a Diabetes Educator, building on my nursing expertise. Over the years, I have flourished as a Clinical Trial Coordinator, contributing to international studies in cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, and Diabetes. My interest in Diabetes was kindled at the Cardiovascular Diabetes Education (CDE) Centre, culminating in her receipt of the Premier CDE clinical excellence award in 2020. My involvement in the international clinical trials, together with my career in pulmonology and gastroenterology has deepened my expertise,

playing a pivotal role in my development as a Specialist Diabetes Educator.


In 2021, I obtained a Masters in Diabetes Management from the University of Wales. Amongst my portfolio, I serve as a non-executive director on the Board of directors at the Vuya Foundation for Health Education. Fueled by my fervor to improve the lives of people living with diabetes, I am dedicated to provide guidance to enhance their quality of life.


Navigating the challenges of diabetes requires consistent professional support, hence I believe in a team approach. I specialise in offering personalised coaching to empower individuals in taking control of their diabetes and making the correct lifestyle choices in a safe supportive environment.


Beyond my professional pursuits, I maintain a balanced lifestyle by serving God, loving my family, indulging in my passion for the saxophone and music, and upholding a commitment to regular exercise. Music also plays an important part in my diabetes coaching and education approach.

In 2009, I initiated my role as a Diabetes Educator, building on my nursing expertise. Over the years, I have flourished as a Clinical Trial Coordinator, contributing to international studies in cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, and Diabetes. My interest in Diabetes was kindled at the Cardiovascular Diabetes Education (CDE) Centre, culminating in her receipt of the Premier CDE clinical excellence award in 2020. My involvement in the international clinical trials, together with my career in pulmonology and gastroenterology has deepened my expertise,

 playing a pivotal role in my development as a Diabetes specialist educator.


In 2021, I obtained a Masters in Diabetes Management from the University of Wales. Amongst my portfolio, I serve as a non-executive director on the Board of directors at the Vuya Foundation for Health Education. Fueled by my fervor to improve the lives of people living with diabetes, I am dedicated to provide guidance to enhance their quality of life.


Navigating the challenges of diabetes requires consistent professional support, hence I believe in a team approach. I specialise in offering personalised coaching to empower individuals in taking control of their diabetes and making the correct lifestyle choices in a safe supportive environment.


Beyond my professional pursuits, I maintain a balanced lifestyle by serving God, loving my family, indulging in my passion for the saxophone and music, and upholding a commitment to regular exercise. Music also plays an important part in my diabetes coaching and education approach.

Helen’s philosophy

Mission

I undertake to be of service to all living with diabetes, those wanting to prevent diabetes, obese children, and adults through empowering them with structured education and consistent hopeful support, to facilitate healing on all levels and prevent the dire complications.

Vision

In envisioning the future of my diabetes practice, I aspire to extend a comprehensive outreach worldwide through timely, structured education, implementing multifaceted interventions. My goal is to empower families in the prevention and healing of chronic comorbidities particularly Diabetes Mellitus, fostering a healthier global community and economy.

Helen’s experience and projects

Feb 1995 – Dec 1999

Pulmonology

Study Coordinator and Study Nurse with Drug and research Unit, University of Stellenbosch

Jan 2000- Aug 2009

Gastroenterology

Study Coordinator and Study Nurse with Dr SJ Schmidt

Aug 2009- Jan 2019

Diabetology

Diabetes Educator & CDE Manager with Dr Hennie Nortjé

2017-Present

Diabetes Educator: Pin Oak Life private practice

Oct 2022 - Present

Independent Operational Manager & Study Coordinator for International Clinical Trials 

Pulmonology

Feb 1995 – Dec 1999

 Study Coordinator and Study Nurse with Drug and research Unit, University of Stellenbosch

Gastroenterology

Jan 2000- Aug 2009

Study Coordinator and Study Nurse with Dr SJ Schmidt

Diabetology

Aug 2009- Jan 2019

Diabetes Educator & CDE Manager with Dr Hennie Nortje

2017-Present

Diabetes Educator: Helen Cyster Private Practice

Oct 2022 - Present

Independent Operational Manager & Study Coordinator for International Clinical Trials 

Certifications

Masters of Science in Diabetes

SANC - Nursing council registration

CDE Foundation Diabetes course

CDE Award

Henriette Stockdale Award

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