The Montana Diabetes Program
This newsletter is a new addition to our program's outreach. Please read, share, and learn the most up-to-date happenings in the world of diabetes and pre-diabetes.
We are here to support, educate, and empower!
Care and Education
If a person with diabetes (PWD) did all the things that we as health professionals ask him/her to do each day, it would take 146 minutes per day – just to care for their diabetes! And not only that, but diabetes is the ultimate DIY – up to 300 decisions are made each day related to diabetes self-management. That’s a LOT of time and energy to spend caring for one’s diabetes!!
It takes approximately 2.5 hours per day for a person with diabetes to have optimal self-care.
We ask so much of our patients living with diabetes – choosing healthy foods, being physically active, monitoring blood sugar levels, and taking medications as prescribed - and we need to be very conscious of the burden that people with diabetes may feel. Diabetes is a complex condition, and it can feel uncertain and scary to them and to their family members and support systems.
This is where Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (DCES) come in!
Formerly known as ‘diabetes educators’ these professionals provide tailored education and clinical care to meet the individualized needs of those with diabetes. This includes the whole spectrum of cardiometabolic conditions – obesity, prediabetes, diabetes, and co-existing complications or conditions. They are experts in diabetes self-management, care, education and support, and they are critical member of the care team serving people with diabetes.
Consider referring your patients to a DCES near you. In-person and telemedical locations are available throughout Montana.
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Diabetes Prevention
Prediabetes is when a person’s blood glucose level is higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes.
 According to the CDC, approximately 88 million American adults - more than 1 in 3 – have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 84% don’t know they have it. Prediabetes puts a person at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
However, with an early diagnosis, prediabetes can often be reversed which can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Patients can self-refer to a program, but many may consider participating in a National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) more seriously if they are referred to a program by their healthcare provider. Please consider referring your patients who fit the eligibility criteria below, to a National DPP lifestyle change program near you.
 Click the photo to view a great, short video and see how one man took control of his prediabetes.
Quality Improvement
Track and improve quality measures while your facility receives funding and technical assistance! The MDP has a wide variety of projects available.
The Diabetes Program is currently recruiting any sites that care for people with diabetes and prediabetes for year-long quality improvement projects. These are funded projects, work around your busy schedule, and customized for your facility's needs. Contact Jennifer for more information!
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