Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital can help you manage your diabetes
The Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital (HFWH) Diabetes Self-Management Training Program has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education.* This distinction assures health care providers and patients that the program offers high-quality educational services to all participants.
The ADA Education Recognition program is a voluntary process. It ensures that approved education 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 state-of-the-art information about diabetes management for participants.
Self-Care Key to Diabetes Treatment Self-management education is an essential component of diabetes treatment. Participants in an ADA-Recognized program such as HFWH's will be taught self-care skills that promote better management of their diabetes treatment regimen. All approved education programs cover the following topics as needed:
Diabetes disease process
Nutritional management
Physical activity
Medications
Monitoring
Preventing, detecting and treating acute complications
Preventing, detecting and treating chronic complications through risk reduction
Goal setting, problem solving and psychological adjustment
Members of the team behind the effort at HFWH are Joyce Bonventre, R.D., supervisor of clinical nutrition services; Michelle Poberezny, R.N., diabetes educator; and Kathy Wilkins, R.D., diabetes educator.
Reducing Complications and Hospital Admissions Ensuring high-quality education for patient self-care is one of the primary goals of the program. Through the support of the health care team and increased knowledge and awareness of diabetes, the patient can assume a major part of the responsibility for his or her diabetes management. Unnecessary hospital admissions and some of the acute and chronic complications may be prevented through self-management education.
Many patients who have been through the program have shared favorable comments.
"I have a better understanding of diabetes, meal planning and the importance of exercise," said one patient who recently attended classes. "These four days have been an eye-opener, especially in that not everybody reacts the same way to diabetes and the medications."
7 Smart Strategies for Managing Type 2 Diabetes When you have type 2 diabetes, your body can't use insulin properly. As a result, sugar builds up in your blood. High levels of blood sugar increase your risk for serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, teeth and gum problems and eye disorders.
The good news: There's a lot you can do to lower your chances of developing complications. Start with these seven smart steps to control your blood sugar:
Eat right. Limit sugar, salt and fat and load up on grains, fruits and vegetables.
Exercise regularly. Build up to 30 minutes of activity several days of the week.
Manage your meds. Take medicine or insulin injections as prescribed.
Monitor your blood sugar. Measure your blood sugar regularly with a blood glucose meter and share these results with your doctor.
Lose excess weight. Follow your meal plan, exercise, make smart food choices, limit portion sizes and eat meals and snacks about the same time every day.
Get tested. Visit your doctor for blood pressure and cholesterol checks, kidney disease screening and a hemoglobin A1c test. Make regular visits to the dentist and eye doctor, too.
Quit smoking. Smokers with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk for high cholesterol, hypertension, kidney disease, nerve damage, heart attack and stroke.
How to Sign Up For more information about the diabetes education program at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, please call (734) 246-6909.
*The American Diabetes Association recognizes this education service as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.
The Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital (HFWH) Diabetes Self-Management Training Program has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education.* This distinction assures health care providers and patients that the program offers high-quality educational services to all participants.
