SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
FOR RELEASE: May 9, 2001
CONTACT: Jennifer Merkwan, 773-3737

Diabetes education programs recognized by state

     (PIERRE) - Nine diabetes education programs have earned recognition from the state, making their services eligible for insurance coverage. A 1999 state law mandated insurance coverage of diabetes education for programs certified by the American Diabetes Association (A DA) or recognized by the state Department of Health Diabetes Education Recognition Program.

     Programs recently earning state recognition are Black Hills Medical Center in Deadwood, Gregory Healthcare Center, Madison Community Hospital, Milbank Medical Center, St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre, Coteau Des Prairies Hospital in Sisseton, Lookout Memorial Hospital in Spearfish, St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall, and Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.

 To earn recognition, programs must meet standards in such areas as curriculum content, human and financial resources, preparation of instructors, program access and availability, and documentation of services and outcomes. The process includes a written application, a site visit by department registered nurses and dietitians, and a review by a board of peers, also dietitians and nurses, from across the state. 

     South Dakota's standards are based on the ADA standards, but the process has been simplified and the cost is minimal so that smaller programs can also apply. Recognition offers individuals with diabetes the assurance that their education programs meet specific standards and their services can be covered by insurance. 

     Quality education programs are important because research shows that aggressive treatment with diet, physical activity, and new medicines can prevent or delay much of the illness and death associated with diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness, end-stage kidney disease, and amputations of the foot or leg. People with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, and those in middle age have a death rate twice as high as their counterparts without diabetes.

     A complete list of diabetes education programs recognized by the state or certified by ADA can be found on the Department of Health web site.