Services and Programs
The Penn Rodebaugh Diabetes Center offers a
family-oriented approach to patient care. We
provide a variety of services to help our patients
and their families manage the disease and develop
a healthy, normal lifestyle. We work with each
patient individually to provide traditional treatment,
management options or apply new techniques.
Learn more about our services:
Diabetes Education Program
The Penn Rodebaugh Diabetes Center offers a 10-hour
education course recognized by the American
Diabetes Association as meeting the National
Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.
Participants receive individual attention and
take part in a group program. Course topics
include nutrition, medications, exercise, glucose
monitoring, coping and prevention of complications.
Nutrition and Diet Counseling
Our nutritionists work with patients to manage
their blood glucose levels. Counseling and
educational materials assist patients and families
with management techniques through diet and
exercise. Our patients develop skills for maximizing
their care such as reading the nutrition fact
labels on food products, understanding appropriate
portions and learning the basic principles
of a healthy diet.
Podiatry (Foot Care)
Because diabetes often causes foot, skin and
tissue problems, we offer an on-site podiatrist
who specializes in diabetes, podiatric surgery
and medicine. We also work closely with hyperbaric
medicine specialists and the Penn
Wound Care Center. Patients undergoing treatment at the
center are encouraged to practice a daily routine
of foot care including:
- Reporting sores or signs of infection
- Practicing regular foot care including washing,
drying and using lotions
- Protecting feet with well-fitting shoes
- Exercising daily to promote good circulation
- Stopping cigarette smoking
Insulin Pump Program
For the person with insulin dependent diabetes,
the Penn Rodebaugh Diabetes Center offers a
comprehensive insulin pump program. Instead
of taking multiple injections a day, the pump
emits insulin continuously and covers meal
intake with extra doses, similar to the way
the human pancreas works. Patients participating
in the pump program have the opportunity to
participate in individualized training sessions,
follow-up sessions and support group meetings.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS)
Through the use of new ambulatory glucose monitoring
devices available at the Penn Rodebaugh Diabetes
Center, patients can get a continuous picture
of their blood glucose levels. Information
obtained over a period of time reveals the
effect of exercise, medication, meals and every
day events on blood glucose levels that can
be used to adjust treatment regimens.
|
