News
Beebe Medical Center Launches Insulin Pump Education program for those with Diabetes
05/10/10
" On June 1, Beebe Medical Center will launch a new insulin pump education program designed to help people with diabetes better manage their disease. While diabetes can lead to other serious diseases including kidney, vision and cardiovascular diseases, managing the body's glucose levels can help prevent them from developing.
Physicians often advise patients who give themselves three or four daily injections of insulin to consider the insulin pump as an alternative. The pump, which is worn on the patient's body, replaces multiple daily injections as it continuously delivers insulin throughout the day and is programmed to meet your specific needs.
These pumps can pose a challenge as they require training and an understanding by the patient of the delicate balances in the body between insulin and glucose, and how that balance is impacted daily by diet and exercise. According to the American Diabetes Association, these pumps, when used correctly, can improve quality of life. There are both advantages and disadvantages of the insulin pump, and patients need to be aware of them. The Beebe Medical Center program will explain all of these in detail.
The program, developed by Beebe Medical Center's Diabetes Management Department at the Beebe Long Neck Health Center at 32060 Long Neck Road, can take between four and six weeks to complete. Patients will choose the pump that is best suited for them, and then learn how to use the one they have chosen. They will work with a team of experienced medical professionals who will guide them through the process.
In order to enter the program, a physician's referral is required. For more information, call the Diabetes Management Department at 947-2500.
The Diabetes Management Department team developed this insulin pump education program to better serve our community. Currently, persons with diabetes interested in using the pump must travel long distances for appropriate education, which many times limits the ability to use this option for managing glucose levels.
The Wound Care Services/Diabetes Management Department offers educational and management services for people with diabetes, as well as outpatient wound care. Diabetes educational programs are offered three times each month for persons newly diagnosed and those who need a refresher course for managing their disease. A diabetes self-management education series is presented at various days and times on a rotating basis. Individual sessions are available for specific needs. All provide the ADA standard curriculum for healthy eating, increasing activity, monitoring blood glucose, taking medications, healthy coping, problem solving, and preventing complications. Programs also are offered in the Spanish language, and Certified Diabetes Educators teach all classes.
Beebe Medical Center is a not-for-profit community medical center with a charitable mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health with the people residing, working, or visiting in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit us online at www.beebemed.org
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