
Pictured left to right: Joyce Patterson RDN, BC-ADM; Danielle Rogosch BSN, RN, CDCES; Christine Hagar RDN, CDCES; Kate Gorr, RDN; Kim Sperlbaum RN, CDCES; Jenna Hoppe RDN.
Diabetes is a growing global health concern, affecting millions of lives every year. In the U.S., more than 37 million people have diabetes and over 88 million adults have prediabetes. Michigan, like the rest of the nation, grapples with this epidemic, but it is also home to the Caswell Diabetes Institute (CDI). CDI is dedicated to supporting rigorous science and its integration with patient centered clinical care, leading the way to prevent, treat and cure diabetes and its complications.
In efforts to provide leadership, coordination and resources to support and enhance diabetes-related clinical care, research, education and outreach, the institute partners with the U-M Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes (MEND) clinic to offer the most comprehensive and effective diabetes education program in the country.
The Michigan Medicine Diabetes Education Program offers comprehensive diabetes education and support services to individuals living with diabetes and those at risk of developing the disease. The program's mission is clear: to enhance the lives of people affected by diabetes through education, self-management and support.
Christine Hagar, M.S., R.D.N., CDCES, program director, registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist shares that the reason the MEND Diabetes Education Program is so effective is because the team “offers a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals who work together to provide the best care possible in order to offer tailored plans that meet the needs and preferences of our patients and families.”
With oversight provided by Jennifer Wyckoff, M.D., this program has evolved to address various aspects of diabetes management, including nutrition, technology integration, medication management, physical activity and psychosocial support. They also collaborate closely with Michigan Medicine Maternal Fetal Medicine to provide education and support for pregnant patients with diabetes.
The Diabetes Education Program is accredited by the American Diabetes Association, the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists and by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, a mark of its commitment to adhering to high standards in diabetes care and education.
Highly skilled and experienced in diabetes management, ensuring that patients receive the best guidance possible, this team conducts regular workshops, classes and one-on-one sessions to educate patients about the fundamentals of diabetes, its management, diabetes technology, and lifestyle changes necessary for better control management – empowering patients (and their families) to make informed decisions about their health.
Thank you to the small but mighty Michigan Medicine Diabetes Educators Education team who have already completed 9,000 sessions this year alone, and are on track to receive more than 5,000 referrals in 2023.
By addressing not just the medical aspects but also the emotional and lifestyle components of diabetes, this team offers comprehensive support and hope to those affected by this chronic condition. It stands as a beacon of light in the fight against diabetes and is an invaluable asset to the communities we seek to serve.
With November recognized as Diabetes Awareness Month and Nov. 14 as World Diabetes Day, it offers two perfect opportunities to focus on taking action to prevent diabetes and its burdensome complications.
To view a recent episode of The Wrap Podcast featuring the Michigan Medicine Diabetes Education team, click here.