DIABETES EDUCATION PROGRAMS ARE ESSENTIAL

by Roseanne Braiotta

(Program Manager, Diabetes Education & Treatment Center, White Plains Hospital Center, NY)

Diabetes has a major impact on the lives of 16 million Americans and their families. Health care costs for diabetes continue to climb, and people with diabetes have average medical costs almost four times higher than people without diabetes. Diabetes affects more Americans, and costs more money, than AIDS and breast cancer combined (an estimated $100 billion each year). It is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States today. Can anything be done?

Yes. The good news is that there is a simple and effective way for people to arm themselves for the diabetes battle--Diabetes Education Programs. Such programs are essential in helping individuals with diabetes to understand the importance of proper blood sugar control. People with diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, eye disease, kidney disease, nerve damage and amputations. Studies have proven that people who manage their blood sugar can significantly reduce the onset and severity of complications.

The Diabetes Education and Treatment Center (DETC) at White Plains Hospital Center, White Plains, NY, is one example of how a patient education program helps set a solid foundation for better diabetes care. The DETC, an outpatient education program recognized by the American Diabetes Association, is designed to provide patients with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful diabetes self-management. Patients are shown the significant role they play in self-managing their diabetes, and in maintaining the delicate balance between diet, exercise and medication. They receive individual and/or group instruction on topics such as: understanding diabetes, how medications and insulin work, blood glucose monitoring, diet and nutrition, complications, exercise, managing stress and coping with psychosocial issues. Most sessions are taught by a Registered Nurse and a Registered Dietitian, both of whom are Certified Diabetes Educators. Patients can receive anywhere between 4-15 hours of education over a two to three month time period. As time constraints make this type of extensive education virtually impossible to obtain at a physician's office, doctors welcome the opportunity to refer their patients to centers like the DETC to ensure their patients receive more complete diabetes education.

A team approach, and rapport, are developed between patient, diabetes educator and the patient's physician. Physicians are kept informed of their patient's progress, and patients are encouraged to pursue routine follow up care with their physician, especially Hemoglobin A1c (also known as HbA1c) testing. The HbA1c test is an indicator of blood sugar control over a two to three month period. It is recommended that this test be done every three months, or at the very least, twice a year. After mastering the lessons of diabetes self management, most patients see a decrease in their HbA1c.

If diabetes education has such wonderful benefits, why don't all diabetics receive it as a matter of course? Some mistakenly believe such education is not important because they "feel O.K. now" or that because they are taking a pill, or insulin, their diabetes is under control. Many people underestimate, or simply lack the knowledge, of how serious diabetes really is. Far too many people have waited until experiencing some sort of complication before they start to take their diabetes seriously. Diabetes is easier to ignore, if you don't have first-hand facts and information. Some people do not know that programs like the DETC exist. Cost is sometimes an issue. Although many health care plans (Medicare and some Managed Care) offer coverage for diabetes education, not all plans do. Costs for diabetes education vary by program and state. Fees could range from $95-$125 per one-hour session, with group instruction costing slightly less. It is important that people check with their insurance company to inquire about their specific coverage. It is also important to note that even if a person's insurance does not cover diabetes education, they should strongly consider paying for services out of pocket. Money spent on diabetes education is a worthwhile long-term investment in a person's overall health and well being.

Increased diabetes awareness and education will undoubtedly help reduce the health complications which have long been associated with this disease--therefore, also helping to decrease diabetes-related health care costs. Whether an individual has had diabetes for years or is newly diagnosed, diabetes education programs can enlighten and motivate that person to live a happier, healthier lifestyle. For information on the diabetes program at White Plains Hospital Center, call 914-681-1228. For information on programs in your local area ask your physician or call your local hospital or local chapter of the American Diabetes Association.