Maria Parham’s Diabetes Program earns ADA recognition

6/20/2011

The Diabetes Education Program of Maria Parham Medical Center has once again been recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for offering high-quality services to the patients that the health care system serves. This is the second award that the program has received since it began in July of 2008.

The ADA recognition means that Maria Parham’s educators are providing the latest and best information to patients with the disease. The goal of the health care team is to teach patients how to manage their diabetes, and thus prevent health complications and unnecessary hospital admissions.  The program includes topics on nutrition, exercise, medications, blood sugar monitoring, goal setting and psychological adjustment. To enroll, patients must have a written referral from their physician.

According to the ADA, eight percent of the population in the United States has diabetes. Since 1987, the death rate due to diabetes has increased by 45 percent, while the death rates due to heart disease, stroke and cancer have declined.

If you have questions on the diabetes education program at Maria Parham, please contact Cynthia Britton, RN, AAS, BSAS, MEd, CDE, the Director of Education.  She is one of the Certified Diabetes Educators there.