Outpatient Diabetes Education

The Medical Center of Aurora's Outpatient Diabetes Education Program is witnessing wonderful outcomes. The program was started in 2004 and was moved to the Education Department in June of 2008. Dr. William Warkentin became our Medical Director in April of 2009 and provides great support and expertise in the continuous development of the program. The classes are held on every Monday (except holidays) and every third Saturday of the month. The class is from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with a one hour lunch break from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Gestational Diabetes and Spanish classes are held by appointment.

Data collection from June to December of last year revealed that the program demonstrated significant improvements in Hgb A1C levels, comparing pre and post education results. On average, Hgb A1C levels decreased by 1.03 at three months and 1.775 at six months. The level of significance was measured at a 0.05 p value. In addition to this impressive outcome, 77 percent of participants demonstrated Hgb A1C levels below seven after education at three months and at six months. The national benchmark, according to the ADA, is 60 percent.

The Diabetes Education Program is certified by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and bases educational components on evidence and the ADA guidelines. Silvia Almanza is our Certified Diabetic Educator and is considered an expert in the field. Participant satisfaction scores and comments demonstrate her expertise is very valuable in facilitating change in newly diagnosed diabetics. We also encourage clients who may need a "refresher" in their diabetes knowledge to attend. Most insurance companies will allow diabetics to refresh their knowledge periodically. Because the program is ADA certified, most insurance companies will reimburse the cost of training including Medicare and Medicaid.

To refer your patients to Diabetic Education please fax an order to 303-338-7907 and have patients call 303-360-3770 to schedule their course. The physician order can either be on a script or can be on the Diabetes Education Center Physician Order Form. If you need order forms, have additional questions or would like more information about the program, please contact Linda Roan, Director of Education at 303-873-5302 or by email at Linda.Roan@HealthONECares.com.