American Diabetes Association recognizes Reid diabetes education program for excellence

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recently recognized the Reid Diabetes & Nutrition Education Program for its high-quality education programming. The recognition is valid for four years and honors high-quality education programs that are designed to help diabetics manage their condition effectively. Reid has held the distinction since 2001.

Programs that achieve this recognition are staffed by knowledgeable health professionals who provide patients with comprehensive information about diabetes management. The Association’s Education Recognition Certificate assures that educational programs meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. These standards were developed and tested under the auspices of the National Diabetes Advisory Board in 1983 and were revised by the diabetes community in 1994, 2000, 2007 and 2012.

“The application process gives professionals a national standard by which to measure the quality of services they provide,” said Christie Ferriell, clinical nutrition manager for the Reid Diabetes & Nutrition Education Program. “And, of course, the recognition assures patients that they will receive high-quality diabetes care and education at Reid.”

According to the American Diabetes Association, 29.1 million people in the United States have diabetes (about or 9.3% of the population). In the Reid service area, the incidence is much higher—about 13.7% of adults have diabetes.

Many people have diabetes but do not know it yet. They will likely discover they have diabetes when they are treated for one of its life-threatening complications, such as heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness and nerve disease. Overall, the risk for death among people with diabetes is about twice that of people of similar age who do not have the disease.

“Diabetes is a devastating disease, but patients can avoid or at least delay serious complications by learning all they can about it and managing their condition through diet, nutrition and, in some cases, medication,” Ferriell says. Reid Diabetes & Education Department offers:

• A diabetes self-management class that includes one-on-one and group classes totaling 10 hours of education
• A pre-diabetes class, which includes individualized meal plans and a free blood glucose tester (this monthly, 90-minute class is offered at no charge)
• One-on-one nutrition counseling
• A free monthly support group

To learn more about programs offered through the Reid Diabetes & Education Program, please call 765-983-3423.