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If you or a loved one has diabetes, one of the best things you can do to manage the disease is to learn more about it. A study in the journal Diabetes Care found that taking diabetes classes or visiting a nutritionist might help keep you out of the hospital. It could even save you lots of money.
Researchers studied more than 18,000 diabetic patients in Pennsylvania for about 5 years. Over that time, 1,054 patients (5.7 percent) had at least one diabetes class visit, 1,683 (9.1 percent) had at least one nutritionist visit, and 332 (1.8 percent) had a health education visit. Patients who had at least one educational visit had a 34 percent lower hospitalization rate and accrued $11,571 less in hospital charges than those who didn’t take a class. Nutritionist visits led to the greatest reductions in hospitalizations and hospital charges.
"Self-management is the cornerstone of modern diabetes care, and providing patients with the information, skills, and support they need to manage the disease is a critical issue for health care providers and systems," the study’s authors write.
Fortunately, many insurance plans and local hospitals do provide this information. Ask your doctor or nurse where to find these classes, which are often available free of charge. Knowledge is power, the old saying goes, and in the case of diabetes knowledge is a powerful way to stay healthier.
SOURCES: Diabetes Care, April 2008; National Library of Medicine
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06/13/08
The information provided is intended to help you make informed decisions. The Genworth Financial companies do not provide medical information, advice or recommendations. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen. Please note that Wellness partners, their products, services, and offers may change over time.
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