Healthy Tips from the Campbell University Health Center

The Sweet Benefits of Diabetes Education

Roughly 1 in every 10 adults in NC has the diagnosis of diabetes. An estimated $10.6 billion is spent in NC each year in diabetes-related healthcare costs. Diabetes is a confusing and complicated condition to manage and diabetes education can help. Unfortunately, only about 50% of patients with diabetes have ever been to a Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) counseling or classes.

Keeping the high blood sugar associated with diabetes under control helps to prevent complications. High blood sugars cause eye, kidney and nerve damage that can be very debilitating. Poor control of blood sugars increase the risk of being hospitalized and can increase the need for more medications. Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) counseling or classes help people with diabetes take better control of their condition, lowering sugar levels and reducing the risks of complications. Educational programs are usually covered by insurance, yet fewer than 7% of people with diabetes take advantage of them.

There are 4 critical times that the ADA recommends a diabetes education referral:

• At diagnosis

• When diabetes-related complications arise

• Changes in care occur, such as a change in living situation or an insurance change resulting in a change in medications and management

• Annually to assess education, nutrition and emotional status

Campbell University Health Center currently has the only accredited Diabetes Self-Management Education program in Harnett County.

Accredited diabetes education programs have an approved curriculum which educates patients in the following areas:

• Understanding the diabetes disease process and treatments

• How to monitor and interpret blood sugars

• Prevent long-term complications

• Healthy Eating/Nutritional management

• Physical activity

• How to take medications safely

• How to better cope with having diabetes

Diabetes care and education at our clinic is provided by Dr. Nicholas Pennings, Katie Trotta, Pharm D, BCACP and Amy Allen, RN, CDE. We also offer a free monthly support group for patients with diabetes, as well as their support persons. Please call the Health Center at 910-893-1560 for more information.

To make an appointment or for more information about the Health Center, visit campbell. edu/healthcenter. Healthy Tips contributed by Dr. Nicholas Pennings, Dr. Katie Trotta, and Amy Allen, RN. .