Adams Memorial Hospital Diabetes Education Program/Service recently received the prestigious American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate for quality diabetes self-management education and support service (DSMES). The certificate is awarded to programs that offer high-quality education, an essential component of effective diabetes treatment.
The Education Recognition Certificate recognizes educational services that meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support. The DSMES standards were developed and tested under the auspices of the National Diabetes Advisory Board in 1983 and were revised by the diabetes community in 1994, 2000, 2007, 2012 and 2017.
DSMES programs apply for the certificate voluntarily. After doing so, Adams’ program received confirmation that its staff of knowledgeable health professionals provide participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management. “The process gives professionals national standards by which to measure the quality of services they provide,” said Lisa McAfee, BSN, RN, CDE. “And, of course, it assures the consumer that he or she will likely receive high-quality service.” Education Recognition status is awarded for four years.
According to the 2020 National Diabetes Statistic Report of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 34.2 million people in the United States, or 10.5% of the population, have diabetes. While an estimated 26.8 million have been diagnosed, 7.3 million people are unaware they have the disease, according to the CDC. Many will first learn they have diabetes when they are treated for one of its life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve disease and amputation. Diabetes continues to be the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.
The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading nonprofit health organization supporting diabetes research, advocacy and information for health professionals, people with diabetes and the public. Founded in 1940, the association continues to support people affected by diabetes nationwide.
For more information on Recognized Education services in your area or other American Diabetes Association programs, call the ADA office at 1.800. DIABETE (342-2383) or contact the ADA online at www.diabetes.org/erp. For more information about diabetes education at Adams Memorial Hospital, call 260-724-2145, ext. 11107.