Library to offer free Diabetes program

VERNON — Since August of 2016, over 150 people with diabetes have participated in Everyone with Diabetes Counts in Sussex County through a valuable partnership between Quality Insights and Premier Health Associates.
EDC is a national initiative that strives to improve the health of individuals with diabetes by offering free diabetes self-management education through evidence-based workshops that take place in community-based settings. In Sussex County, Quality Insights uses the Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) model, which was originally developed at the Stanford University School of Medicine.
In February, three staff members of PHA’s team completed a training to become certified Peer Leaders in the DSMP.
“Our patients are benefiting from our collaboration with Quality Insights and EDC program,” Paula Manning, Value Based Program Manager at PHA, said. “They continue to participate enthusiastically with the classes offered and their health goals are being achieved by learning about diabetes and using that knowledge to make healthful lifestyle changes.”
PHA has observed improved clinical outcomes among patients who participated in EDC. For example, six months after EDC, medical records exhibited weight loss, reduced blood pressure, A1C, and cholesterol, and an increase in diabetic eye exams among those patients.
The most recent diabetes workshop took place at Sussex County Main Library in Newton. Two sisters who both have prediabetes, Carol and Evelyn, attended together.
“You think you know it all, but you don’t until you come to the class,” Evelyn said.
Carol and Evelyn pointed out that it was eye-opening to learn about the impact exercise and nutrition has on diabetes.
“You make friends, get to share experiences, and learn from others,” Evelyn said.