The American Diabetes Association estimates that almost 1 in 10 people have diabetes, although some have not yet been diagnosed. The numbers are even greater over the age of 65, with 1 in 4 people having diabetes. When a person first learns they have diabetes they often feel confused and overwhelmed, sometimes even angry or guilty. To help with those feelings and to learn what to do to manage diabetes for the best health possible, Sansum Clinic provides Live Well with Diabetes. It is an excellent update for all people with diabetes and a must for anyone newly diagnosed.
Live Well with Diabetes recently underwent rigorous review by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to renew its status as an ADA Recognized Education Program. ADA Recognition ensures quality education that meets national standards. Sansum Clinic’s Live Well with Diabetes is the only recognized program in South Santa Barbara County and treats more people with diabetes than any other program in the area. It has maintained ADA Recognition for 14 years and is now approved for 4 more years.
Diana Bullock, Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Educator and Coordinator of Live Well with Diabetes says, “In the 3 months recently studied there was an overall drop of 1.9% in A1c for patients attending our program”. A1c — also called Hemoglobin A1c — is the best overall measure of diabetes control. Diana continues, “That is a better drop than can be achieved by medication alone. Diabetes education works! But fewer than 60 percent of people with diabetes have had any formal diabetes education according to the American Association of Diabetes Educators.”
We encourage all people affected by diabetes, including family members, to join the Live Well with Diabetes program. You will learn about the meaning of lab tests, choosing healthy foods and how to enjoy a few treats, what to do when blood glucose is too high or too low, how to avoid complications and more. Our nurses and dietitians will help you to fine tune your learning to meet your individual needs. Low cost and open to the community, Live Well with Diabetes is offered in Lompoc and Santa Barbara in English and in Spanish.
For more information please call (866) 829-0909.