DIABETES - SELF MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Diabetes is a challenging disease that affects 20.8 million or 7% of the population in the United States. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are not aware that they have the disease until they are faced with serious complications such as blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes or nerve disease.

Diabetes is marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action or both. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death. Through diabetes self management education, people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications.

Two major types of diabetes account for most cases. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.

Type 2 diabetes, which was previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems: the cells may be starved for energy and over time, high blood glucose levels may cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

According to the American Diabetes Association, access to quality treatment is important and patient education is critical. "People with diabetes can reduce their risk for complications if they are educated about their disease, learn and practice skills necessary to better control their blood glucose levels, and receive regular checkups from their health care team."

OUR APPROACH

In 1989, Meadville Medical Center recognized the need and benefits of providing diabetes education in our region. In keeping with its original approach, Meadville Medical Center's Mind-Body Wellness Center is proud to offer DIABETES SELF MANAGEMENT SKILLS, an expanded program that focuses on the needs of the whole person. Our program, nationally certified by the American Diabetes Association, focuses on the expanded needs of the "whole person" in a down-to-earth manner. It is built on a foundation of caring and provides education, motivation and inspiration.

OUR TEAM

Barry Bittman, MD, neurologist, researcher, international mind-body lecturer and author is the Center's Director. Dr. Bittman's work and research focuses on teaching individuals to maximize their inner healing resources.

Our Diabetes Self Management Skills program is headed by Jane Livingston, RD, LDN, CDE, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. She is assisted by a multi-disciplinary team including Val Valore, RN, BSN, CES, Paula Bartges, RD, LDN, Dana DeArment, RD, LDN, Carol Huggins, RD, LDN, CDE, Anna Searls, PA and Janice Schwabenbauer, PTA. Local podiatrists John Ziegler, DPM and Clifton Barretta, DPM complement the team with their expertise on foot care.

Our staff is a coordinated team of experienced and enthusiastic physicians, nurses, counselors, therapists, nutritionists and talented experts who are convinced that working together under the same roof produces incredible results. We recognize the value of the team approach that ensures optimum communication within the Center and with your personal physician. We are proud to serve as an extension of Meadville Medical Center; a hospital that recognizes the importance of delivering the very best care possible.

WITH YOU IN MIND

Our nationally certified DIABETES SELF MANAGEMENT SKILLS PROGRAM emphasizes:

diabetes meal planning, carbohydrate counting and label reading
eating for heart health and weight control
self blood glucose monitoring
understanding blood glucose highs and lows
diabetes medications - benefits and side effects
exercise for diabetes management
preventing diabetes complications
diabetes foot care
the "whole person" approach to wellness
coping with stress and change
time management and goal setting for diabetes care and healthy tomorrows

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does a patient's physician have to refer the patient to the Center?
This depends in part, on your insurance. Most insurances require a referral or a preauthorization for diabetes education. We value the opportunity to work closely with your personal physician, and we will provide updates on a regular basis. A patient may however, contact the Center directly.

Who conducts the sessions?
Sessions are conducted Jane Livingston, RD, LDN, CDE, Val Valore, RN, BSN, CES, Paula Bartges, RD, LDN, Dana DeArment, RD, LDN, Carol Huggins, RD, LDN, CDE, Anna Searls, PA and Janice Schwabenbauer, PTA. Local podiatrists John Ziegler, DPM and Clifton Barretta, DPM also present some of the sessions.

How does one enter the program?
Each patient should contact the Mind-Body Wellness Center for preliminary information and questions. A pre-program consultation is scheduled with one of our diabetes educators.

Who can accompany a patient to the sessions?
Social and emotional support is considered important to this approach. Married patients should be accompanied by their spouse. Single patients are encouraged to bring their most significant other, a family member or a close friend.

What is the time frame for the program?
Programs are held twice a week, over 3 weeks, for a total of 6 sessions. Each group session lasts 90 minutes. Daytime and evening programs are available. In addition to the program, each participant receives pre- and post-program individual consultations with one of our diabetes educators.

Does insurance cover the program cost?
Most insurers cover this program that is certified by the American Diabetes Association. Pennsylvania state law regulates coverage for diabetes education services, so most people, including individuals with Medicare and Medical Assistance, have coverage for diabetes education. Our billing department will work closely with you and your physician to determine your coverage.

We welcome your calls for information regarding our
DIABETES SELF MANAGEMENT SKILLS program.