University Times

A division of Pitt's School of Medicine has received an American Diabetes Association (ADA) Education Certificate for high-quality diabetes self-management education.

The division of general internal medicine's diabetes management education program at UPMC Montefiore joins several other UPMC Health System sites that are recognized by the ADA.

"Self-management education is an essential component of diabetes treatment. News of this recognition could not have come at a better time since November is National Diabetes Month," Linda Siminerio, executive director of the University of Pittsburgh Diabetes Institute. "This assures our patients that they are receiving high-quality care in the management of their diabetes."

The ADA certificate assures that educational programs meet the national standards for diabetes self-management education programs. These standards were developed and tested by the National Diabetes Advisory Board.

According to Wishwa N. Kapoor, chief of the division of internal medicine, and Falk Professor of Medicine at Pitt's medical school, "Managing diabetes is not as simple as a change in diet or taking a medication; managing diabetes requires a commitment to major lifestyle changes. As a division, we strive to create treatment and lifestyle plans that accommodate each patient's personal needs, making the plans easier to adhere to. Receiving ADA recognition acknowledges that we are giving our patients the best individual care possible."

Programs applying for recognition submit to a rigorous review process by experts in the field of diabetes who evaluate each program on its ability to provide patients with comprehensive individualized diabetes education. Programs that achieve recognition status have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management.

All approved educational programs cover a number of specific topics including stress and psychological adjustment, family involvement and social support, nutrition, exercise, medications, goal-setting and blood glucose levels.

Pitt's diabetes institute was founded in 1999. It integrates diabetes caregivers and educators, measures diabetes outcomes, targets disease management strategies and resources, and integrates clinical and research experts in diabetes.