Central Utah Clinic Classes Receive Renewal of Accreditation by American Diabetes Association

Central Utah Clinic’s Diabetes Education Classes reached another milestone. Notification was received that the Diabetes Education Classes have been approved for accreditation once again by the American Diabetes Association.

Instead of the usual three-year accreditation, the clinic has been approved for four years—demonstrating the highest level of approval. The renewal of accreditation was achieved through fulfillment of a number of guidelines, following an ADA-certified curriculum, high patient satisfaction and tracking of outcomes before and after attendance at the classes.

“The focus of the classes is to teach patients how to successfully and with confidence, problem solve and manage their diabetes themselves, complementing the instruction received from their healthcare provider,” said Clarene Hansen, NP-C and certified diabetes educator. What is unique about Central Utah Clinic’s course is how all complement each other and work in sync from the certified diabetes educators, dietitian, and their own individual health care provider. Course participants are given follow up care to see if they are making and keeping goals related to instructions given during classes. Participants are encouraged to bring a support person to the classes who can reinforce skills learned.

The program is under the medical direction of Drs. Susan Maturlo, endocrinologist, and Gerald Stephanz, nephrologist. Clarene Hansen is the diabetes self-management program coordinator with her assistant Rosemary Kent, who is in charge of coordinating scheduling and registration.

Those diagnosed with diabetes are encouraged to attend. Classes are taught once a month from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Internal Medicine Classroom at 1055 North 500 West, Suite 212, Provo, Utah. Some evening classes are also available. For specific dates, more information or to registration, please call 801.429.8095. Class fees are covered by most insurances.

Sadly, diabetes is on the rise. Hansen said recent statistics estimate 1 in 12 people are projected to have diabetes in the United States in 2011. That’s a substantial increase from the 1920s when 3 in 100 had diabetes. Central Utah Clinic is at the forefront in fulfilling a need through the certified American Diabetes Association Diabetes Education Classes.