(Topeka, Kan., April 8, 2010) – The American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate for a quality diabetes self-management education program was recently awarded to the Cotton-O'Neil Diabetes Learning Center and its Diabetes Self-Management Program. This particular program was originally recognized in February 1989 and has been recognized consecutively since 1989. The most recent recognition covers the period from March 27, 2010 to March 27, 2014. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) believes that this program offers high-quality education that is an essential component of effective diabetes treatment.
The Association's Education Recognition Certificate assures that educational programs meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. These standards were developed and tested under the auspices of the National Diabetes Advisory Board in 1983 and were revised by the diabetes community in 1994 and 2000.
According to the ADA, there are 20.8 million people or 7 percent of the population in the United States who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately another 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 they have diabetes when they are treated for one of its life-threatening complications - heart disease and/or stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and nerve disease and amputation.
The Cotton-O'Neil Diabetes Learning Center staff includes Ellizabeth Davis, RD, LD, CDE, program coordinator, Julie Johnson, RN, CPT, Lori Menold, RN, CDE, CPT, Linda Sterling, RD, LD and Melissa Pineda, department assistant. Their mission is to provide education, motivation, support and hope for people living with the challenges of managing diabetes. Individual and group support groups are also available to help patients with diet and nutrition, physical activity, medications, monitoring blood glucose and reducing potential risks that can lead to complication. The Cotton-O'Neil Diabetes Learning Center is located on the lower level of the Cotton-O'Neil Diabetes and Endocrinology Center at 3520 S.W. 6th Ave. in Topeka. For more information about managing diabetes or participating in diabetes support groups, call (785) 368-0416.
