Diabetes Education Program Merits Recognition

Winthrop-University Hospital's diabetes self-management education program has once again been recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. Winthrop's Diabetes Education Program was originally recognized in January of 1987, and was the first in New York State to receive ADA accreditation. Since it was instituted in 1979, thousands of people have participated in Winthrop's program.

The ADA's Education Recognition Certificate is awarded for three years. Programs that achieve recognition status are supported by a staff of knowledgeable health professionals, who provide participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management.

Every day an estimated 4,110 people are diagnosed with diabetes, according to the ADA. And, there are an estimated 6.2 million who do not know they have diabetes. Since 1987 the death rate due to diabetes has increased by 45%, while the rates due to heart disease, stroke and cancer have declined. As such, self-management education is crucial.

"Those who participate in an ADA-recognized program are taught self-care skills that promote better management of his or her diabetes treatment regimen. Through the support of the healthcare team and increased knowledge and awareness of diabetes, patients can assume a major part of the responsibility for managing their diabetes," explained Virginia Peragallo-Dittko, APRN, BC-ADM, MA, CDE, Director of the Center. "We are pleased to once again be recognized by the ADA as offering a high-quality patient education program."

Winthrop's Diabetes Education Center serves adults and children with diabetes and offers the only free support groups for children with diabetes. The support groups are open to all families of children with diabetes who receive treatment anywhere in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens. For more information about the program, call (516) 663-2350.