PRESS RELEASE

ONCE AGAIN SINAI'S DIABETES EDUCATION PROGRAM
MERITS AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION RECOGNITION

 

STOUGHTON, MA —The prestigious American Diabetes Association (ADA) Education Recognition Certificate for a quality diabetes self-management education program has again been awarded to the Richard A. Field Diabetes Center at New England Sinai Hospital. The Diabetes Center at Sinai has received ADA recognition continuously since 1993 for its high-quality diabetes self-management education programs that are considered as an essential component of effective diabetes treatment.

The Association's Education Recognition Certificates 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.  

Programs applying for Recognition voluntarily submit to a rigorous review process by experts in the field of diabetes who evaluate each program on its ability to provide patients with a comprehensive individualized education program. Programs that achieve Recognition status have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management. “The process gives professionals a national standard by which to measure the quality of services they provide, and assures the consumer that he or she will receive high-quality service a Sinai,” says Sandra Kilgallen, RN, Administrative Director of the Sinai Diabetes Center. Education Recognition status is verified by an official certificate from the ADA and is awarded for three years.

According to the American Diabetes Association, there area 20.8 million people or 7% of the population in the United States who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.63 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 6.2 million people are not aware that they have the disease. Each day approximately 4,110 people are diagnosed with diabetes. Many will first learn that they have diabetes when they are treated for one of its life-threatening complications - heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and nerve disease and amputation. About 1.5 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in people aged 20 years or older in 2005. Diabetes contributed to more than 224,092 in 2002. Since 1987 the death rate due to diabetes has increased by 45%, while the death rates due to heart disease, stroke and cancer have declined.                                                                                

The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading non-profit health organization supporting diabetes research, advocacy and information for health professionals, patients and the public. Founded in 1940, the Association has an area in every state and conducts programs in communities nationwide.

The Diabetes Center at New England Sinai Hospital is designed to promote the health and well-being of patients with diabetes. Through a team approach, the Center serves as a resource to the patient, the patient's family and the primary care physician.  The Diabetes Center team makes a careful evaluation of the patient's overall health and history, and tailors an individualized program of medical management, education, nutrition, and exercise counseling. An ongoing program of treatment and support helps the patient maintain an appropriate level of glucose control and minimize complications. The Diabetes Center of New England Sinai Hospital has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Patient Education since 1993.

                                                     

New England Sinai Hospital is a 212-bed, non-sectarian, not-for-profit, long-term acute-care hospital with its main campus in Stoughton, MA and inpatient satellite units at Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston and Caritas Carney Hospital in Dorchester. Recognized as a regional leader in pulmonary, medically complex and acute rehabilitation care, Sinai also offers a wide range of outpatient programs and services.  Sinai is a teaching affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine.

Contact:
Carole Herrup
Public Relations Director
New England Sinai Hospital
150 York Street
Stoughton, MA 02072

Tel. 781-297-1329
FAX: 781-297-7509