Virginia Peragallo-Dittko, APRN, BC-ADM, MA, CDE, Director of Winthrop-University Hospital's Diabetes Education Center. Virginia Peragallo-Dittko, APRN, BC-ADM, MA, CDE, Director of Winthrop-University Hospital's Diabetes Education Center, has been named 2007 Outstanding Educator in Diabetes by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). This prestigious national recognition, presented by the ADA annually since 1977, acknowledges one individual for their outstanding efforts and significant contributions to diabetes education field.

"Virginia Peragallo-Dittko is eminently qualified for this distinction," said Richard R. Rubin, PhD, CDE, President of the American Diabetes Association. "Maintaining a diabetes center is a major challenge and through Ginny's dedication, nuturing and care, Winthrop-University Hospital's Diabetes Education Center has thrived. Her commitment and service to the profession and to the ADA reflect the qualities of a truly outstanding diabetes educator," he added.

For over 20 years, Ms. Dittko has served as director of Winthrop's Diabetes Education Center. Esteemed by Dr. Rubin as a "model center," the Center's unique educational and support programs provide patients with hands-on, practical approaches as well as the knowledge and tools necessary to manage the disease.

Ms. Dittko's professional accomplishments extend beyond the exceptional efforts that she has put forth within Winthrop's Diabetes Education Center. In addition to an extensive list of published works and honors, Ms. Dittko has served as Editor-in-Chief of ADA's Program Publications where she plays an instrumental role in providing diabetes patients with accurate and accessible information through the Diabetes Advisor series, one of the cornerstones of the Program's publications effort. She has also served the ADA as a member of its National Committee on Program Recognition, Professional Practice Committee, and Planning Committee for the ADA Consensus Conference on Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose.

Ms. Dittko will be formally recognized for her outstanding achievement during the ADA's 67th Scientific Sessions, which will take place June 22-26, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois. There, she will present the Outstanding Educator in Diabetes Award Lecture prior to the Scientific Achievement Awards presentation.

Winthrop-University Hospital's Diabetes Education Center offers comprehensive programming and support to adults and children with diabetes. Among the Center's unique programs is the quality Diabetes Self-Management Education Program, recognized by the ADA for meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. Most recently, the Winthrop Diabetes Education Center launched Lifestyle Balance to Prevent Diabetes: A Pre-Diabetes Intervention Program, a program aimed at stemming the alarming rise in type 2 diabetes through the education of people diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Winthrop's Diabetes Education Center also offers free support groups to all families of children with diabetes who receive treatment anywhere in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens.

For more information about the Diabetes Education Center and its comprehensive programs, call (516) 663-2350.