Every 20 seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes and nearly 26 million people nationwide are living with the disease. Equally disturbing is the fact that 79 million American adults are now considered to be pre-diabetic, which increases their risk of heart disease and stroke.
In response to these alarming statistics, Long Beach Medical Center has established The Diabetes Education Center to help people with diabetes lead healthier, more productive lives and to avoid the medical complications often associated with diabetes.
Managing diabetes can sometimes be difficult, and for those who are newly diagnosed, it can seem overwhelming. The Diabetes Education Center of Long Beach Medical Center helps by provding education, training, resources and support to help you understand and manage your disease.
Beginning with an assessment visit, a Certified Diabetes Educator will determine your learning needs and design an individualized plan to match your lifestyle and educational needs. Our Diabetes Education staff include Registered Nurses and Registered Dieticians who are all Certified Diabetes Educators.
Our Diabetes Education Center offers:
A full range of educational, training and other resources to help patients understand and manage their disease. Beginning with an assessment visit, a Certified Diabetes Educator will determine the patient’s learning needs and design an individualized education plan to match his or her lifestyle and educational needs. Program components include:
Accredited Diabetes Education Program (ADA approved)
This 3-session program was developed by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and is often considered the ‘gold standard’ in diabetes management programs. The series offers group education sessions designed to help individuals acquire the knowledge and skills needed for managing their diabetes. It is an excellent program for those newly diagnosed with diabetes, as well as those who have been managing diabetes for years. Spouses and/or significant others are encouraged to attend so that they are better able to support the patient’s efforts at controlling their diabetes.
Individual Diabetes Counseling
Individual sessions with a Certified Diabetes Educator help patients become more comfortable with the day-to-day management of their disease.
Medical Nutritional Therapy/Nutritional Counseling for Diabetes
Individual sessions with a Registered Dietician/Certified Diabetes Educator helps patients understand the importance of diet and nutrition in managing their diabetes. Individual food preferences and lifestyle issues are incorporated into meal planning strategies to help improve blood glucose levels.
Case Management
The Diabetes Education Center provides case management services, including coordination of treatment, referral and follow-up for each patient.
Wound Care
A common occurrence in diabetic patients is tissue (skin) breakdown or sores that are difficult to heal. For patients struggling with diabetic wounds, the Diabetes Education Center works collaboratively with Long Beach Medical Center’s Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center to provide the latest treatments and therapies for healing wounds. In addition to conventional wound therapy, they offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, a unique treatment that uses increased oxygen supply to the body’s tissues to enhance wound healing.
Support and Education Groups
A monthly support and education program for patients and their families. Led by a Certified Diabetes Educator, it offers education and support in managing diabetes.
Weight Management
Weight management counseling is available for the person who wants a one-on-one approach to weight loss. Topics covered include understanding your current eating habits, food choices and lifestyle habits that influence your eating and cooking choices.
Speakers Program
We offer community education and awareness programs free of charge to community organizations, PTAs, school personnel, etc.
Insurances:
The Diabetes Education Center accepts most forms of insurance, including Medicare and many managed care plans.
For individuals who do not have health insurance or whose health insurance does not cover diabetes education, the Medical Center is pleased to offer sponsorship opportunities through the generosity of the Lions Clubs International, District 20K2-Lions Diabetes Education Center, who generously provide sponsorships with no out-of-pocket costs to the individual.
For more information about insurance concerns or the Lions Club sponsorships, please call the Diabetes Education Center at Long Beach Medical Center at (516)897-4354.
Your Doctor is Part of Our Team
The staff at the Diabetes Education Center works closely with each patient's personal physician, offering education and support that compliments your doctor’s treatment. And, if patients do not have a personal physician, Long Beach Medical Center offers the Family Care Center, a primary care clinic with many subspecialty services.
Contact Information and Hours:
Rachel Ferdinand, RD, CDE, Director
The Diabetes Education Center at Long Beach Medical Center
455 E. Bay Drive, Long Beach, NY 11561
Phone: 516-897-4354
E-mail: rferdinand@lbmc.org
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY ...
“After my stroke, I became more anxious about how to deal with my diabetes. Your staff gave me the knowledge and confidence I needed to take better care of myself. They made me aware of what a complicated disease diabetes is. With the help of your Registered Dietitian, I’ve changed to a more healthful diet. Your staff deserves much praise for their excellent presentations. They are always on hand to answer questions and to give advice.” RB
“I attended a four day session which was very rewarding to me. This program helped me to self-manage my diabetes by eating the proper diet and learning the importance of carbohydrates, etc. I would recommend this program …” MB
“The staff made me feel at ease and I was sad when the sessions ended. They did a great job. I only have good things to say about this program.” PF
“I am not a very good patient normally, but with the staff here I have gotten the knowledge to allow myself to make the necessary changes to live a whole lot better than I had.”
Diabetes Newsletters
Volume 1 (see attached)
Volume 2 (see attached)
White Papers
Hypoglycemia
Sick-Day management
Summer Strategies for People With Diabetes