Diabetes Program Merits National Recognition

The Diabetes Self-Management Program of Thibodaux Regional has been awarded continued recognition from the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

The ADA Education Recognition effort is a voluntary process that assures that approved education programs have met the National Standards for Diabetes Self-management Education Programs. Programs that achieve recognition status have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide up-to-date information about diabetes management for participants.

Self-management education is an essential component of diabetes treatment. One consequence of compliance with the National Standards is the greater consistency in the quality and quantity of education offered to people with diabetes. The participant in an ADA recognized program would be taught, as needed, self-care skills that will promote better management of his or her diabetes treatment regimen.

All approved education programs cover the following topics as needed:

• Diabetes overview
• Stress and psychosocial adjustment
• Family involvement and social support
• Nutrition
• Exercise and activity
• Medications
  
  Thibodaux Regional
• Diabetes Certification
• Monitoring and use of results
• Relationships among nutrition, exercise, medication and blood glucose levels
• Prevention, detection and treatment of acute and chronic complications
• Foot, skin and dental care
• Behavior change strategies, goal setting, risk factor reduction and problem solving
• Benefits, risk and management options for improving glucose control
• Preconception care, pregnancy and gestational diabetes
• Use of health care systems and community resources.

Assuring high-quality education for patient self-care is one of the primary goals of the Education Recognition program. Through the support of the health care team and increased knowledge and awareness of diabetes, the patient can assume a major part of the responsibility for his/her diabetes management.

Unnecessary hospital admissions and some of the acute and chronic complications of diabetes may be prevented through self-management education.

The Diabetes Self-Management Program of Thibodaux Regional offers comprehensive diabetes services and instruction to inpatients and outpatients as well as their families and loved ones. Additionally, the program offers insulin pump therapy. Staff members of Thibodaux Regional=s Diabetes Self-Management Program include three registered nurses and a dietitian, two of whom are certified diabetes educators by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators. For more information contact the Diabetes Self-Management Program of Thibodaux Regional, (985) 493-4769.
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