Diabetes Education Now Available Through Telehealth | Health, medicine and fitness
Hanford-based endocrinologist Prem Sahasranam, MD, now offers My diabetes tutor, a telehealth education program for residents struggling to manage their diabetes.
My diabetes tutor is an online program that aims to help one in two Valley residents who suffer from hyperglycemia but who have never seen a diabetes care and education specialist.
According to a recent California health survey, 48% of the population has been diagnosed with prediabetes, 13% have diabetes and 10% have gestational diabetes.
And the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than tripled locally and across the United States.
“People struggle with self-management of diabetes, which can lead to high blood sugar over time and poor outcomes,” Dr. Sahasranam explained. “Or they rely on their health care provider for help, but providers may lack the time to educate them and there may not be other resources to help them.”
This is where My Diabetes Tutor can help.
My Diabetes Tutor is the first California statewide telehealth diabetes education program to receive national accreditation from the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists. It offers five one-hour sessions to educate patients about types 1 and 2 as well as diabetes in pregnancy and education and support on the insulin pump and sensors, all via the internet. Follow-up sessions are available to provide more information on topics such as nutrition and weight management. Patients can schedule an online video session with one of the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists through the secure, secure, HIPPA-compliant platform.
The program has 18 educators who speak foreign languages such as Spanish, Hindi, Gujarati and Mandarin, noted Dr Sahasranam.
“Telehealth is a convenient and effective way to help patients manage their diabetes from the comfort of their own homes, with the peace of mind of knowing that providers are specially trained to address diabetes concerns,” said the Dr Sahasranam. “And we are seeing patients lowering their Hb A1c through good education. “It’s never too late to take action.
The program is approved by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, so it is covered by Medicare. And the practice is under contract with Tricare, Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, Sante, Brand New Day, Blue Cross Medicaid and KEY MEDICAL (Kings and Tulare counties). The firm is in the process of contracting with other major health plans and poised to provide patient care associated with Adventist Health, United Health Center facilities and Aria Community Health Centers in the Central Valley. .
To learn more, visit www.mydiabetestutor.com and register online with one of the Certified Diabetes Care Specialists; send an email to the practice at [email protected]; or call 844-623-0999 to make an appointment or for more information.