American Diabetes Association

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Grace Gonzalez, Virginia Zamudio Certified Diabetes
Educators Offer
Guidance and Support

by VIRGINIA ZAMUDIO, RN
(ALAMO DIABETES TEAM, LLP)

Imagine yourself in a private airplane, just you and the pilot, enjoying the view from on high. The scenery is beautiful. Life is good. Suddenly, the pilot passes out, and you must take control. Terrified, you do not know what to do. You could choose to chance a crash, or use the radio to call for help. Understanding your emergency and your fears, the air traffic operator calmly instructs you through the situation, and together you safely land the plane.

Being diagnosed with diabetes can be much like the passenger in this story. Uncertain, scared and in disbelief, you now must deal with your current situation. Depending upon your experiences with others who have diabetes, you may have deep-seated fears about what it means to be “diabetic.” Overwhelmed, you are unsure where to start. Ignoring your diabetes can eventually lead to major health complications. You need a lifeline: You need the assistance of a certified diabetes educator (CDE).

A CDE understands your fears and concerns and views them as a normal response. More than any other condition, diabetes is essentially “self-managed.” Your doctor will make certain recommendations, but it is totally up to you to follow through on them. However, changing eating habits, becoming more physically active, taking medications safely and monitoring your blood sugars can be a daunting task. A CDE will guide you and help find your source of inner strength to make the necessary changes, so you can take control of diabetes. Whether you are newly diagnosed, or have had diabetes for a long time, ask your doctor for a referral to a local CDE.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has 17 Diabetes Education Recognized Programs in the San Antonio area. The ADA’s Recognized Education Program seeks to promote quality education for people with diabetes. To support this goal, the ADA recognizes diabetes education programs that meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME).

The ADA’s Recognized Education Program encompasses a rigorous review process to assess whether applicants meet the national standards for excellence in diabetes education. The standards are designed to be flexible enough to be applicable in any health care setting, from physicians' offices and HMOs to clinics and hospitals.

For more information on how to become a recognized program, please call 1-800-DIABETES or visit us online at www.diabetes.org.