POTSDAM – Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s diabetes self-management education program was recently accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

Accreditation of the program signifies the quality of education provided and will allow residents in and around the North Country additional access to critical diabetes education services.

Being accredited also means the service will be recognized by Medicaid, Medicare, and most major insurance companies. Effective Sept. 1, Canton-Potsdam Hospital will begin billing for visits and services rendered through the program.

Diabetes education is a collaborative process through which people with, or at risk for, diabetes gain the knowledge and skills needed to modify behavior and successfully manage the disease and its related conditions themselves.

In conjunction with self-management education at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, patients are encouraged to schedule separate time with Registered Dietician Elizabeth Isenberg for nutritional counseling and support in establishing appropriate eating patterns.

“Research has shown that patients can reduce their average blood sugar levels (AIC counts) significantly with the support of self-management education and training,” said Program Coordinator Harris Leitstein. “It’s important for patients to realize maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is essential in reducing their risk of heart, kidney, and secondary diseases often caused by diabetes.

“With the limited number of accredited diabetic education services in our area, many of my patients have been challenged with finding support for their disease and often become inpatients at the hospital because of the lack of support available,” said Program Advisory Group Medical Representative Dr. Robert Rogers.

“Trends show that diabetes education is moving out of the hospital and into the community, so AADE’s accreditation program was created, in part, to encourage diabetes education where the patient is seeking care,” said Diabetes Education Accreditation Program Director Leslie E. Kolb, RN.

To make an appointment with diabetes educator Leitstein, people can call 261-5393.