The Diabetic Care Center at Parkland Health Center receives the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Education Recognition Certificate. This three-year certification recognizes the Center for quality diabetes self-management education.

Programs that achieve this certification have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals providing participants with information about diabetes management in accordance with the national standards set by the ADA.

"A lot of times people are diagnosed and don't really understand what they're up against," says Kathryn Lewis, RN, certified diabetes educator. "It's a chronic disease for which there is no cure." Lewis teaches classes at the Diabetic Care Center on how to live and be healthy with diabetes.

Another advantage of the certification is that the clinic can now receive reimbursement for services provided. This reimbursement can come from many insurance plans, including Medicare.

New classes are forming now. A support group also meets the first Thursday evening of every month and is open to people, regardless of age, diagnosed with diabetes.

For more information about the Diabetic Care Center at Parkland Health Center and its services, call 573.760.8396.