The diabetes self-management program at Roseau Area Diabetes Center has been awarded continued Recognition from the American Diabetes Association.The
program, which is a longstanding partnership between LifeCare Medical Center
and Altru Health System, was officially recognized by the ADA in June 2007. The Diabetes Center offers high-quality education services to patients in its
service area.

Started in 1986, the ADA Education Recognition effort is a voluntary process which assures 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 provide up-to-date diabetes management information to participants.

The goal of the Roseau Area Diabetes Center is to educate patients about diabetes and show how they can make changes in their lifestyle to reduce the risk of eye, kidney, and heart disease as well as other complications of diabetes. The Center encourages patients to take an active role in their diabetes care and have them work with their providers to meet the target goals of diabetes: blood pressure less than 130/80; LDL (bad cholesterol) less than 100; no tobacco use; A1C less than 7%; and daily ASA therapy for patients over 40.

Self-management education is an essential component of diabetes treatment. One result of compliance with the national standards is a greater consistency in the quality and quantity of education offered to people with diabetes. The participant in an ADA recognized program is taught self-care skills as needed to promote better management of the participantâ•?s diabetes treatment regimen.

The process gives professionals a national standard by which to measure the quality of the services they provide,â• says Karleen Thompson LRD, CDE, Roseau Area Diabetes Center Coordinator, â•?and it helps consumers identify these quality programs.

The Diabetes Center has taken steps to help patients become more active by offering a free exercise DVD library. Located at LifeCare Rehabilitation Services, the library allows patients to check out a DVD for two weeks, return it, and try another one.

This is a great way to be more active during the winter months or when the weather is not cooperating for outdoor activities. Exercise is so important in controlling blood sugars, blood pressure, and cholesterol as well as weight," Thompson says.

To enhance education, the Roseau Area Diabetes Center offers a yearly diabetes health fair. Free to the public, the health fair offers a variety of education booths and features a speaker who specializes in diabetes care. Watch for more information in April.

To learn more about the Roseau Area Diabetes Center, contact Karleen at 218-463-1365.