Eastern Maine Medical Center - Diabetes, Endocrine and Nutrition Center
Eastern Maine Medical Center - Diabetes, Endocrine and Nutrition Center
Adults with Type I or Type II diabetes can take advantage of this multidisciplinary clinic. In one visit, patients see a diabetes educator and endocrinologist. The consultation includes a complete assessment of a patient's lifestyle, including diet, diabetes management skill, exercise, medication, etc. The team develops an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Patients must be referred and followed by a primary care provider.
Services
IN DIABETES
* DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT TRAINING WITH MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY
o This program has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association and is designed to empower participants to take an active role in managing their diabetes. Initial assessment and instruction is conducted by a dietitian and nurse educator. The assessment is offered in two formats: (1) Diabetes Nutrition Group, a small group class with dietitian followed by 1:1 visit with nurse educator or (2) individually with dietitian and nurse educator. The group format allows for more prompt service availability, should the patient be appropriate for a small group setting. After the assessment, a plan of care will be developed to meet the educational needs of the patient. The patient may choose to attend a more structured diabetes education program which includes ten hours of classroom time and four follow-up sessions to reinforce behaviors learned throughout the year. If they cannot do the classes, the option exists to be followed individually by the educators. Participants learn basic self-management skills as well as advanced skills to promote the maximum quality of life and potentially reduce the occurrence of diabetes related complications.
* ADULT DIABETES CLINIC
o Adults with diabetes mellitus may be referred by a primary provider to our diabetes clinic. Patients see a diabetes educator and endocrinologist specializing in diabetes management. The consultation includes a complete assessment of the patient’s lifestyle, including eating patterns, activity level, medication and supplement use, and diabetes management skill level. The team develops an individualized treatment plan for each patient and assists the patient in implementing the plan. Patients must continue to be under the care of a primary care provider.
* INSULIN ADMINISTRATION & ADJUSTMENT EDUCATION
With the primary provider’s order of medication and dosage, the diabetes educator will train the patient for self-administration of insulin. The physician may indicate on the order to have the certified diabetes educator adjust the dosage with the patient, based upon the blood sugar readings results. Reports of these adjustments will be communicated to the primary provider’s office.
* INSULIN PUMP THERAPY Insulin pump therapy represents state-of-the-art treatment for motivated patients with Type 1, and in some cases, Type 2 diabetes. An endocrinologist, nurse and dietitian work closely with each patient to initiate pump therapy. The patient continues to be monitored and trained to operate the pump until he or she can demonstrate skills in managing blood sugar levels using the insulin pump. This program has been designed, from assessment to completion of training and ongoing care, to assist our patients in achieving optimum blood sugar control. A referral to the Pump Therapy Program includes a referral to see the endocrinologist on staff. The patient is scheduled for preliminary information in the Discuss Pump Group, where the program is fully presented before enrolling. If the patient is not appropriate for a small group format, they may be scheduled 1:1 with the diabetes pump educator to discuss this therapy.
* GESTATIONAL DIABETES CLINIC The Gestational Diabetes (GDM) Clinic includes an initial two-hour visit with a diabetes educator and is overseen by the endocrinologist. Referral of patients to this program includes being followed by the adult endocrinologist. Expectant mothers and fathers learn to understand the goals for treatment of pregnancy-induced diabetes. Successful management of GDM improves the health of both mother and child. Care is provided through delivery, plus a six-week follow-up screening for diabetes and which includes education on preventing Type 2 diabetes. The EMMC Diabetes, Endocrine & Nutrition Center GDM program is nationally recognized for its success.
* PRE-EXISTING DIABETES AND PREGNANCY CLINIC Women with diabetes who become pregnant receive multidisciplinary support throughout their pregnancy. These women are at higher risk for adverse outcomes during pregnancy. The comprehensive management approach, which includes a nurse educator, dietitian and endocrinologist, helps give these women and their babies the best possible start. Pre-conception counseling is recommended.
* PEDIATRIC DIABETES CLINIC
Children, from infancy through age eighteen, and their families benefit from our multidisciplinary pediatric team. Each child and family is seen by a pediatric endocrinologist and diabetes educator at each visit. The clinic team develops individualized treatment plans to suit the child and family’s lifestyle. Referrals are required and patients must continue to be followed by a primary care provider.
489 State St, Bangor, ME, 04401 | (207) 973-7000
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