CELINA — The prestigious American Diabetes Association (ADA) Education Recognition Certification for a quality diabetes self-management education program was recently awarded to Mercer Health’s Diabetes Education Program. ADA certification is valid every four years and Mercer Health has maintained certification since 2005. The Association’s Education Recognition Certificate assures that educational programs meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education (NSDSME) standards. Programs that achieve recognition status have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management.
“The process gives professionals national standards by which to measure the quality of service they provide. And, of course, it assures the patient that he or she will receives high-quality service,” said Karen Homan, diabetes educator.
“Our program covers all areas of diabetes management including how to test your blood sugar, healthy eating, proper physical exercise, and much more. Every day 4,657 Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, with over 29 million Americans living with diabetes and another 86 million living with prediabetes. Our program is not only designed to help patients become more aware of the ways to help better themselves for a life with diabetes but also to educate people on diabetes prevention,” said Homan.
According to the ADA, diabetes and prediabetes cost Americans $245 Billion each year with $1 in $5 health care dollars being spent on caring for people with diabetes. Furthermore, people with diagnosed diabetes have health care costs 2 times higher than if they didn’t have the disease.
Mercer Health’s Diabetes program sees an average of 305 patients a year. Diabetes classes are taught by a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) with a commitment to individually assist each patient in their individual diabetes journey. For more information about Mercer Health’s Diabetes Program, visit www.mercer-health.com or call 419-586-9657.
