Metabolic & Diabetes Institute of Eastern Connecticut
ECHN is happy to offer our community a number of educational programs and events related to Diabetes in the coming months! See full details and registration information:
Diabetes & Eye Health
Diabetic Foot Screening
Type 2 Diabetes: Are you at Risk?
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetes is a very common and complex disorder that requires ongoing management. It is a chronic disease in which the body either does not make enough insulin or is unable to use it properly, resulting in a build-up of sugars and fats in the bloodstream. Complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes can include heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputations.
Frequently there are no symptoms with type 2 diabetes, the most common form. However, if you do experience any of these symptoms, you should tell your doctor:
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unusual hunger
- Nausea
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Impotence (in men)
- Fatigue or weakness
- Infections that are slow to heal
- Blurred vision
The American Diabetes Association recommends that everyone aged 45 and older be screened every 3 years for diabetes. If any other of the following risk factors is also present, consider screening earlier and more often. The screen is a simple blood test. ECHN offers many convenient locations for blood tests.
Risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes include:
- Family history of diabetes (parent or sibling)
- History of gestational diabetes or delivery of babies over 9 pounds
- History of pre-diabetes
- Race/ethnicity (being an African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, Native American, or Pacific Islander)
- Age 45 or older
- Overweight or obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol and/or triglyceride level
Although there is no cure for diabetes, it can be successfully managed using a team approach. Doctors who treat patients with diabetes include endocrinologists, internists, and family doctors.
Diabetes educators are also key members of your diabetes management team. They are health care professionals who work with you to create a self-management plan that meets your particular needs and fits your lifestyle. Their focus is on creating a personalized care plan for you, and providing counseling and education that promote these self-care behaviors:
- Healthy eating
- Being active
- Monitoring blood sugars
- Taking medication as needed
- Solving day to day problems, including sick day management
- Reducing risk for related complications
- Healthy coping and stress management
About Our Diabetes Self-Management Program
ECHN offers a highly regarded Diabetes Self-Management Program that can help you manage your diabetes day to day. There are 2 registered nurses (RN) and 1 registered dietitian (RD) on staff and all have earned the CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator) credential. Their goal is to help individuals control their diabetes and improve their health through education, diet, exercise and/or medication. Patients are encouraged to attend classes when first diagnosed and to return for support and follow-up periodically to help maintain long-term control. Published research demonstrates as much as a fourfold increase in the risk of major complications in patients who have not received diabetes education as compared with those who have.
ECHN’s program has been recognized for excellence by the American Diabetes Association repeatedly since 1996 and has been honored by the American Diabetes Association as one of its “most influential partners” in the fight against diabetes throughout Connecticut. Classes emphasize wellness and are generally provided in small group sessions, followed by individual appointments with nurse and dietitian diabetes educators. Optional services include a free stress management class and a free podiatry screen.
Here are some comments from patients who have attended these classes:
“Once I met Nina and Linda….all doubts and fears were eased aside and for that I am deeply grateful. They approached their class time with a vigor and positive approach and laid all the facts on the table in such a wonderful and meaningful way. No question was too stupid and they didn’t care that sometimes they had to go over a portion more than once. Every concern was a valid concern.”
“All staff answered all my concerns. And I am not easy to explain things to!”
“Great program. Great staff. Changed my life for the better. Keep up the good work, thank you very much for all your help.”
And a comment from Dr. Michael LeMay, ECHN endocrinologist:
"A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is the diabetic person's 'coach' within a multidisciplinary team that also includes physicians, podiatrist, dentist, pharmacist and others. Just as a sports coach instructs, encourages, and motivates their teams, CDEs educate and support the person with diabetes to make lifestyle choices that lead to better clinical outcomes and a healthier future. As football coach Tom Landry once said, 'Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.' "
Besides the core program, these services are also available:
- Counseling for gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
- Basic and advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Basic and advanced instruction on using insulin
- Review sessions
- Individual (one-on-one) classes
- Pre-diabetes class
The department also participates in health fairs and community lectures, sponsors a monthly support group meeting called Sweet Talk (call Marie at 860.569.6436 for information).
Classes are offered at Manchester Memorial Hospital at 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. Medicare and most commercial insurances cover the cost of the program and a loved one is always welcome to attend at no extra charge.
Call 860.647.6824, Monday through Friday, to speak to a staff member about the services offered. We are happy to answer any questions and can help with obtaining a written referral from your primary care provider. Or you can bring the referral to your next doctor’s appointment.
Other forms that can be downloaded and completed prior to attending classes: