The Diabetes Treatment Center at Southeast Alabama Medical Center is an accredited program by the American Diabetes Association.

Our interdisciplinary team, including your physician and our certified diabetes specialists, share a common goal – to help those diagnosed with diabetes lead longer, healthier lives.

Approximately 23.6 million people in the United States, or 8% of the population,  have diabetes, according to the ADA. The total prevalence of diabetes increased 13.5% from 2005-2007.  Controlling diabetes can help reduce risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, nervous system disorders, amputation, dental disease and pregnancy complications.

 

The Diabetes Treatment Center offers an array of services:

• Acute Inpatient Program

• Comprehensive Outpatient Program

• Support Programs

For more information about the Diabetes Treatment Center, call (334) 793-8854 or 1-800-223-0843.

Acute Inpatient Program

When you're in the hospital its important to manage your blood sugar levels. Recent studies show that keeping blood sugar levels near normal while in the hospital can help prevent infections and improve overall health outcomes. Our experienced staff understands the special needs of patients with diabetes. They will work with your doctor to help give you the highest quality care for your diabetes during your hospitalization.


Computerized Intravenous Insulin Infusion (CIII) Program
Diabetes Treatment Center at Southeast Alabama Medical Center is the only hospital in the region with this advanced technology.

CIII is used to resolve hyperglycemia and maintain normoglycemia in the hospital settings.

Cardiovascular surgeons depend on the CIII Program to accurately and efficiently calculate complex and rapidly changing insulin requirements during and after Open Heart Surgery.

"Recent clinical research has shown the importance of keeping the blood glucose level in a range very near normal. Patients with previously diagnosed diabetes frequently have marked elevations in their blood glucose after the stress of any surgery, particularly cardiac surgery. Also, many patients who are unaware of having a problem with their blood glucose will have significant elevations in their blood glucose after cardiac surgery. Strict control of the blood glucose in the normal or near normal range is important to allow the wounds to heal properly with much less chance of a complication from a severe post-operative infection of the sternum."

"The CIII Program allows the medical team to use insulin intravenously in a carefully controlled manner to keep the blood glucose in a very tight range post-operatively. The nurses can measure the blood glucose, enter the value into the program, and feel confident that the adjustments recommended will maintain the blood glucose very near the desired range. This is a great timesaver for nurses, allowing them to attend to other pressing issues with the patient instead of having to call the physician frequently for insulin adjustments. The machine maintains the blood glucose in a much tighter range than casual estimates can achieve. This gives the patient the best chance of avoiding the problems associated with those serious sternal wound infection."

         

John Stone, M.D., Endocrinologist
Dothan Medical Associates

Comprehensive Outpatient Program
The Diabetes Outpatient Program focuses on nutrition and wellness education for people (and Family members) with diabetes. Services are provided by certified diabetes educators, registered nurses, and registered dietitians and include:

• Outpatient medical treatment under physician’s direction

• Diabetes counseling and education during pregnancy

• Specialized insulin therapies including insulin pumps

• Oral medication management

• Nutrition counseling and meal planning

• Support groups

• Diabetes education programs led by certified diabetes educators

• Individual and family support

• Diabetes community lectures

Followup sessions
Scheduled during the third and twelfth month of your program, followup sessions are designed to measure progress towards the goals you have set and to give you ongoing support for daily management of diabetes.

Individual Consultations
Individual evaluations by a certified diabetic educator are offered. Insulin training, blood glucose monitoring, nutrition counseling and other diabetic issues are discussed.

Class Schedules
Classes are offered morning, afternoons, and evenings for your convenience. People who attend our classes must be referred by their physicians. Our staff will be happy to assist with obtaining the referral.

Fees
Many insurance companies recognize that diabetes education can prevent or delay the complications associated with diabetes. Many will reimburse for diabetes self-management education. At the time your class is scheduled, your insurance verification is obtained or a payment plan is created.

Take Control
Today, diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Our patients, including those who have had diabetes for years, are discovering new ways to live a better life with diabetes.

For more information about the Diabetes Treatment Center, including assistance coordinating a referral or a class schedule, call (334) 793-8854 or 1-800-223-0843.

Support Programs

All Southeast Alabama Medical Center sponsored support groups are provided free of charge. People with diabetes, regardless of all ages, are invited to attend.

• Diabetes Support Group - Focuses on informative topics regarding current diabetes care and fellowship. The group meets quarterly. Please contact the Diabetes Treatment Center for more information.

• Support Group for Children and Adolescents with Diabetes - Support group for children and adolescents with diabetes and their parents. Please contact the Diabetes Treatment Support Group for more information.