CHI - Mercy Medical Centerville

DIABETES AFFECTS MORE than 9 percent of the American population. This potentially lethal disease requires daily management through medications and lifestyle changes — precautions and treatments that cost the United States $245 billion each year. In other words, it's a serious problem. THE MORE YOU KNOW In an attempt to reduce the number of people diagnosed with diabetes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). "The DPP is one of the biggest initiatives an organization can undertake to bring more diabetes awareness and understanding to the community," says Jackie Kelly, BSN, RN, Patient Education Nurse at Mercy–Centerville. "Those involved in this lifestyle change and educational program meet throughout the year with one goal in mind — to help people prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes." In addition to our nationally recognized Diabetes Education Program, Mercy–Centerville added DPP classes in July 2016, making ours one of the first organizations in Appanoose County and the surrounding area to do so. "People can qualify for the classes by getting a blood test or by filling out a basic questionnaire," says Dorine Sales, RN, Diabetic Education Nurse at Mercy–Centerville. "We use these two tools to identify those who may have prediabetes." A WARNING SIGN Patients with prediabetes are targeted because the condition is a direct precursor to diabetes. People with prediabetes have a blood glucose level that's higher than normal but not quite high enough to be called diabetes. One of every three Americans has prediabetes, yet the majority of them are unaware. Identifying this condition early can help people avoid diabetes. Simply losing weight through diet and exercise can cut a person's risk of getting Type 2 diabetes in half. However, many people are unaware that prediabetes exists — making the DPP that much more important. "Our plan with DPP is to get more education and awareness out there about what prediabetes is and what that means for a person's health," Dorine says. "If we can help one individual avoid diabetes, the program will be well worth it." Learn how to be proactive against diabetes. Visit www.mercycenterville.org and click on "Client Services" and then "Diabetes Education." 86 million Mercy Medical Center–Centerville is addressing the diabetes crisis by being one of the first in the area to participate in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). 9 of 10 45 Program With the Getting The recommended age when people should begin having their blood glucose checked People with prediabetes who aren't aware of their condition Number of American adults with prediabetes PREDIABETES: BY THE DIGITS Leaders of the Diabetic Prevention Program at Mercy-Centerville are Dorine Sales, RN; Liz Zmolek, RDN, LD; and Jackie Kelly, BSN, RN. MERCY MEDICAL CENTER-CENTERVILLE /// www.mercycenterville.org 3

• Cover