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Diabetic expertise, personalized care and fewer diabetic complications may all be found at Antelope Memorial Hospital.

This month, the AMH Diabetes Education Program was awarded continued recognition and certification from the American Diabetes Association. AMH was originally certified for the award in May 2002. The education recognition status is awarded for four years.

The ADA recognition signifies that Antelope Memorial Hospital meets national standards for diabetes patient education and has dedicated staff members who help people manage their diabetes more effectively. It offers the hospital access to the latest diabetes research and treatments. It helps patients receive reimbursement for diabetes education from Medicare and most insurance companies.

Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce or properly use the insulin needed to convert food into energy. Symptoms include extreme hunger, irritability, frequent urination, weight loss, blurred vision and slow healing cuts or bruises.

"Diabetes in adults and youth is increasing at an alarming rate because our population is more sedentary and overweight," said Shannon Tegeler, RN, diabetes education program director. "According to the Centers for Disease Control, 30.3 million or 9.4% of Americans suffer from diabetes-with over 7 million unaware that they even have the disease. On average, it takes seven years to diagnose a new case of diabetes."

Diabetes is one of the most serious diseases in America, added Tegeler.

"Elevated blood sugar leads to blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, amputation and death. It is also the major cause of disability and lost work time. However, studies show that controlling blood sugar levels prevents or significantly reduces the severity of complications. The key is early detection and treatment of the disease."

Education is an essential component of diabetes management. The staff of AMH's diabetes education program consists of Tegeler, registered nurses, Molly Navratil, Liz Furstenau and Michelle Stearns, and Sarah Keegan, registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and educator specialist. Together, they provide a holistic approach in dealing with the physical, social and emotional aspects of the disease for the patient and family. The staff offers a personalized self-management program within a caring, supportive environment-close to home.

For more information, contact the AMH diabetes education department at 402-887-6270.