The Center's distinguished programs provide individuals with high-quality diabetes self-management education, an essential component of effective diabetes treatment.

Winthrop's Diabetes Education Center was the first center in New York State to win this notable award in 1988. Since then, it has been continually recognized by the American Diabetes Association.

"This special recognition helps consumers to identify a quality program in their community, such as Winthrop's," said Virginia Peragallo-Dittko, RN, Director of the Diabetes Education Center at Winthrop. "For the past 24 years, our staff of highly-regarded healthcare professionals have been providing our patients with the most up-to-date information about diabetes management."

Winthrop's Diabetes Education Center provides outreach and educational programs for those living with and managing diabetes. The Center employs two registered nurses specially trained in diabetes, as well as registered dietitians. In addition, continuing education programs such as the 'Dining Out' series teach groups how to eat sensibly when dining out at a variety of restaurants. Other programs offered through the Center include insulin pump training sessions, exercise programs, product fairs and educational programs, and support groups for children with diabetes.

Participants in an ADA recognized program like Winthrop's are taught self-care skills that promote better management of their diabetes. The program covers additional topics such as: diabetes overview; stress and psychological adjustment; family involvement and social support; nutrition; exercise; medication and blood glucose levels; prevention, detection and treatment of acute and chronic complications; foot, skin and dental care; behavior change strategies, goal setting, risk factor reduction and problem solving; pregnancy and gestational diabetes; and use of healthcare systems and community resources.

For more information on diabetes self-management programs, call Winthrop's Diabetes Education Center at (516) 663-2350.

iabetes is one of the country's fastest growing diseases, affecting adults and children alike. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately one in every 400 children and adolescents (or approximately 151,000 people under the age of 20 years) has diabetes.

Now, youngsters living with diabetes have a specialized program to call their own. Winthrop-University Hospital's Pediatric Diabetes Program recently received national recognition from the American Diabetes Association, meeting all standards for a qualified educational program.

The new program, which includes comprehensive diabetes education and insulin pump training, was recently initiated to meet the growing needs of children living with diabetes throughout the region. Thanks to the vision and dedication of Atillio Canas, MD, Pediatric Endocrinologist and Director of the Pediatric Diabetes Program and Jean Corrigan, RN, Pediatric Diabetes Coordinator, the program now has more than 500 pediatric patients. "Controlling pediatric diabetes successfully is about education, individualized care and support to the entire family," explained Ms. Corrigan. "We not only educate the child on how to live with his or her condition but teach and assist the entire family."

Community education is another important component of the program. Lectures and presentations are given at local schools to inform school nurses and teachers about pediatric diabetes and help students manage the disease on a daily basis.

"It is so important for a child's community to understand this condition," Ms. Corrigan stated. "Many children with diabetes require meals and snacks at certain times in order to maintain their blood glucose levels. Certainly, teachers must be aware that timing of the meals and snacks is important. That is why we are out there in the community, helping people understand the complexities of this disease and its effect on lifestyle."

Special monthly support groups for young children, teenagers and families are also offered. One such recent group meeting for adolescents was centered around a five-course Chinese meal at Jani in Mineola where the teens were taught about counting carbohydrates in Chinese food. Another group event was Laser Tag, which focused on the importance of exercise in controlling diabetes, while also having fun.

The majority of the patients in the program are Type I diabetics. There are, however, some Type II patients as the problem of obese and overweight teens is becoming more prevalent. The Department hopes to initiate a specific program for Type II diabetes patients in the near future.

"The kids who come through our program are simply amazing and inspirational," said Ms. Corrigan. "You have five and six-year-olds counting carbs, giving themselves injections while going to school, playing sports and winning academic awards. These kids have many challenges to overcome, but take it all in stride."

Winthrop's Pediatric Diabetes Program is located in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology at 120 Mineola Boulevard, Suite 210. For more information on the program, call 516-663-3090 or 1-866-WINTHROP.