Her job, that is.

As Diabetes Marketing Coordinator for Henry Ford Health Products Barbara Sterling’s job is to go out and build relationships with doctors and nurses, educating them about products, often new or upgraded, for their patients who have diabetes.

She relishes the opportunity to talk directly with those afflicted with the disease, at occasional weekend workshops where she gives patients information about diabetes and the products she markets.

She’s very passionate about her work, in part because she suffers from diabetes herself.

Armed with a degree in advertising and marketing, Sterling has held positions in gaming, at ad agencies, and other companies, but she started looking into healthcare because she wanted to help people.  At Henry Ford Health Products she said has the good fortune to promote a company and products she believes in, and bring her own experience to the table.

“I can say hey – it’s actually something that I live,” she said.  “A lot of times in healthcare, you numb yourself.  But I still allow myself to feel.  I talk to patients from my vantage point, and how education has been key for me.  You can still live an active and productive life (with diabetes).”

Some of the products she markets are diabetic monitors, for diabetics or those at risk; glucose tablets; lancets and lancing devices; meters and test strips for monitoring glucose levels; and special shoes and socks for diabetics.  Sterling explained that diabetics have to pay special attention to their feet, keeping them dry and allowing good blood circulation.

She said she appreciates the easy access to products Henry Ford Health Products provides, through their Web site, www.henryfordhealthproducts.com, and eight retail locations throughout metro Detroit.  She said the retail locations have trained diabetes staff to provide patients free, in-store training, something unique to their diabetes program since the equipment improves and changes frequently.