So where would you be without diabetes education? I can tell you where I’d be, and it wouldn’t be here, that’s for sure. I am willing to bet that majority of you would say the same thing. To me, diabetes education is the most important part of diabetes in general. You can’t accept it if you don’t understand it. You can’t manage it if you don’t know about it. But there is always something more to learn about diabetes. As soon as you think you know all there is, something else pops up.
I recently did a post on the old blog starting to get into this subject of diabetes education and that all the programs that are closing down. Just locally here in south Florida where I live in the last year I have personally seen the JFK Medical Center diabetes center go down, along with the North Broward Hospital diabetes program go down.
I use Google Alerts for the keyword “diabetes education program” and it seems that almost everyday I receive another alert with a local newspaper writing about another program closing down. I will admit that there are also some that talk about new ones starting up, which is amazing. But when you read into it, the program is opening with minimal funds and sharing an office with the whole hopsital education system. Now as someone with diabetes, I know how important it is for diabetes education programs. I understand that this will lower my chances of any complications that may come in the future.
Now why do hospitals not think this way? Oh I know, because this doesn’t allow their wallets to get fat. It is very clear, there is no money in diabetes education, none! The re-imbursment rates are minimal. I see all the time in these articles that a reason the hospital will close the center down is because the amount of people coming to certain diabetes education classes or programs are decreasing. The reasons they may be decreasing are because less people have health insurance, can’t afford to go to the classes, gas prices are getting better now, but during the gas spike of recent times people just couldn’t afford to drive to their local hospital to get the education they need.
So how do we solve this issue? How do we get the education that we all need to the people that need it most. One way I am personally trying to resolve this is to raise funds for diabetes education. Raising funds in these times is a difficult thing to do. There is a million charities out there and everybody thinks that theirs is the best and their cause is better. Especially when you have a discussion about the ADA and JDRF, (tomorrow’s post). Anyway, time to get back on subject.
Please let me know of any projects that you may be working on or that you have heard of or any local events. I would love to help out and be as active as possible in fighting for the education that we need. I continue to fight and do what I can to help find a cure, but until that day comes the best I can do is to help people get the same education that I received and still receive today that has helped me stay healthy.
I want everybody to be able to enjoy their lives and share their own stories of living a life of a diabetic.
Have a great night ya’ll
Well Chris, this is exactly what many diabetics are aware of: that their conditions allow pharma milk them to death. Good doctors always try to suggest dietary and lifestyle changes, the greedy ones push expensive medications. These pharmas don’t mind spending millions on colorful ad brochures and etc.. but not on education… Only government can enforce them to spend a dollar from a sale on education…
Robert
Hi Chris!
Loved your blog post and it could NOT have come to me at a better time. This is amazing to me that education centers are closing despite the need. It gives me serious motivation to finish a project I’ve started.
I’ve been diabetic for nearly 20 years. I had some of the typical frustrations – and then some more serious problems creeping in. Fortunately, I ran on to some great info from a dear friend (type 1 diabetic)who had an amazing turn-around story. The info changed my D-life. When I talk to other diabetics…I find that 1) they don’t know jack about how to manage it and the secrets to avoiding complications…and 2) much of what they do know is just wrong!
so…I’ve decided to develop a website/blog and a diabetes course/tele-seminar to get this information out there to help educate people. I’m killing myself to get it done but I know it will be a great help to others. People can learn the essential ‘keys’ to proper mgt. and avoiding complications – in the comfort of their own home. There will be a cost for the tele-seminar because this is a TON of work…but it will be so worth it for those who want to take care of themselves.
Doctors aren’t doin’ jack for diabetics (generally speaking) because it’s not what they know. Mine told me “you’re gonna die of complications – so try to take care of yourself.” Good grief!
I will let you know when the info is put together – maybe you could pass it along to friends. All the best to you and your health!
Jeff Henderson.
Raleigh, NC
Just read your article, and have also been looking for more education. Since my diagnosis in Jan. 2010, I did have one consultation with a diatitian and attended a class…at a different hospital that the one where my doctor is employed. The class was offered only once/month and only 12 people attended…probably because of insurance coverage. Since then, besides the internet, I have found zip, 0, zilch, in the way of classes, support groups in South Florida. Oh, I found a list of Certified Diabetic Educators, but not a readily accessible support system. Sure, there are lots of cookbooks, but no other hands on, face to face support. Why?! I am just naive enough to think that someone might organize or offer something to help this growing number of diabetics. I am a 62 yr old woman, who has raised four children, volunteered at schools, church, and civic organizations. And yet, when I mention that I am a new diabetic, people act deaf, as if they had no clue what this disease can mean for the person, their family, or society in general. As this huge segment of the population, “baby boomers” are going to be needing more information, medical and/or health assistance, surely, we can create a local network of lifestyle & cooking classes that will serve to keep us going strong. Is it really just about making more $$$? No, we need to help each other. Let me know if you have any ideas, I am developing a few myself and hope to reach other like minded diabetics.