Knowledge is Power.
The Diabetes Education Program at Broward General Medical Center can teach you how to live a healthier and more productive life!
Currently, 20.8 million Americans have diagnosed diabetes. Forty-one million Americans have "pre-diabetes" – elevated blood sugar that increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Researchers predict that by the year 2050, the number of Americans with diabetes will increase to 38.2 million. Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
In order to determine whether or not you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, your physician conducts a Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Either test can be used to diagnose pre-diabetes or diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends the FPG because it is easier, faster and less expensive to perform.
With the FPG test, a fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl signals pre-diabetes. A person with a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dl or higher has diabetes.
In the OGTT, a person's blood glucose level is measured after a fast and two hours after drinking a glucose-rich beverage. If the two-hour blood glucose level is between 140 and 199 mg/dl, the person tested has pre-diabetes. If the two-hour blood glucose level is at 200 mg/dl or higher, the person tested has diabetes.
ABCs of Diabetes
Our personalized diabetes program targets the ABCs of diabetes
- A: is for A(1)C- a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels during the last three months. Goal: 6.5 percent.
- B: is for blood pressure. Goal: 120/80
- C: is for cholesterol - elevated blood sugar levels increase cholesterol and makes it easier for cholesterol to stick to blood vessels and clog arteries. Goal: Total Cholesterol - less than 200 mg/dl; and LDL ("bad" cholesterol) - less than 100 mg/dl.
Education
Our educational classes are for individuals with Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes. We offer one-on-one sessions with a certified diabetes educator and/or dietician as well as group sessions involving our entire staff.
Getting Started
The Diabetes Education Program is located on the fifth floor of the Physician Office Building of Broward General Medical Center. A physician, professional staff or self-referrals are welcome. Click here for our referral prescription form.
For more information on any of our programs, support groups and services, please call us at 954-355-5363.
If you do not have a physician and would like a physician referral, please call the Broward Health Line at 954-759-7400. Most insurance companies reimburse and encourage education for their clients with diabetes. Any questions regarding coverage should be referred to your insurance provider.
