The American Diabetes Association recognizes UConn Health’s Diabetes Self-Management Education Program for offering high-quality education for patient self-care and support services.

The recertification under ADA’s Education Recognition Program is in recognition of the educational services at UConn Health meeting the ADA’s national standards for diabetes self-management education programs.

“This recognition is a testimony of the dedication to clinical excellence and in patient-centered delivery of care,” says Dr. Francisco Celi, endocrinologist and chair of the UConn School of Medicine’s Department of Medicine. “Our diabetes educators provide an invaluable contribution to the care of our patients, enabling to develop a truly personalized holistic care plan which include lifestyle modifications, dietary education, and effective use of the medications. Very often our diabetes educators uncover unrecognized barriers which prevent the optimal management of diabetes. By addressing these challenges we can be more effective in treating patients living with diabetes.”

ADA-recognized programs provide evidence-based and outcome-driven intervention and ensure a staff of knowledgeable health professionals will teach participants self-care skills that will promote better management of their diabetes treatment regimen, covering the following topics:

• Diabetes disease process
• Nutritional management
• Physical activity
• Medications
• Monitoring
• Preventing, detecting, and treating acute complications
• Preventing, detecting, and treating chronic complications through risk reduction
• Goal setting and problem solving
• Psychological adjustment
• Preconception care, management during pregnancy, and gestational management

“Empowering lives, one step at a time,” says Dr. Pooja Luthra, endocrinologist and physician lead of UConn Health’s Diabetes Self-Management Education Program. “We are proud to be recognized by the American Diabetes Association for our commitment to excellence in diabetes education. Together, we make a difference.”

UConn Health’s program has earned this distinction continuously since its first ADA recognition in 2000.

“For 25 years, UConn Health’s ADA-recognized diabetes education program has been a cornerstone of support, guidance, and empowerment for individuals managing diabetes,” says Luriza Glynn, nurse practitioner and program coordinator. “This milestone reflects UConn Health’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based education that improves lives. As we celebrate this achievement, we honor the dedication of our educators, the resilience of our patients, and the continued innovation that drives us forward. Here’s to 25 years of impact and many more to come!”

Barbara Eichorst, the ADA’s vice president of health programs, says, “Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is an essential part of managing diabetes and is as effective as diabetes medication. Therefore, all people with diabetes benefit from it. We applaud UConn Health’s Diabetes Self-Management Education Program for its commitment to providing value-based interventions such as DSMES, maximizing corresponding outcomes, and patient experience.”

“This is a major accomplishment and the standards required by the American Diabetes Association are high,” says Anne Horbatuck, chief operating officer of the UConn Medical Group and vice president for ambulatory operations. “This honor demonstrates the quality, dedication, and hard work by the leaders, Dr. Pooja Luthra and Luriza Glynn, APRN, diabetes education coordinator, and the whole team. This program has had huge success improving patient outcomes and providing education to our patients to better manage their diabetes and improve their overall health.”

Learn more about diabetes care at UConn Health.