Gateway Medical Center’s Diabetes Self-Management Education Program was recently awarded the American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Award. The Recognition effort is a voluntary process, assuring that approved programs have met the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. Programs that achieve recognition status have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide comprehensive information about diabetes management.

According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 20.8 million people or 7% of the population in the United States who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 6.2 million people are not aware that they have this disease. Each day approximately 4,110 people are diagnosed with diabetes. Many will first learn that they have diabetes when they are treated for one of its life-threatening complications – heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and nerve disease and amputation.

Gateway’s Diabetes Education Program offers individual attention in a group setting regarding medications, exercise, blood glucose testing, prevention, and nutrition. Of the patients who attended the class last year, 70% lost 10 pounds on average, 84% saw an improvement in their blood glucose levels, and 77% said they felt they could better manage their disease after attending the class. A physician's order is required for the class. For more information, contact Gateway's Education department at 931-502-2081.