Leonardtown, Maryland – The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently recognized MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital’s Diabetes Prevention Program, Simple Changes. The program was awarded CDC Full Recognition which is reserved for “programs that have effectively delivered a quality, evidence-based program that meets all of the standards for CDC recognition,” according to a letter from the CDC.
To be recognized by the CDC, programs must:
- Have trained lifestyle coaches who can help build participants’ skills and confidence to make lasting lifestyle changes
- Have a diabetes prevention program coordinator who uses a CDC approved curriculum
- Obtain a minimum average weight loss of 5 percent during the 12 month program
- Submit program data related to attendance, weight loss, and physical activity
The CDC also requires at least 35 percent of participants in the programs be diagnosed with pre-diabetes through blood testing (or have a history of gestational diabetes).
As part of the MedStar Diabetes Institute, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital also offers a diabetes education program recognized by the American Diabetes Association and provided by a registered nurse and a dietician trained in diabetes management.
Visit MedStarStMarys.org/Calendar for class information or call 301-475-6019.
About MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
MedStar St. Mary's Hospital (MSMH) is a full-service community hospital, delivering state-of-the-art emergency, acute inpatient and outpatient care in Leonardtown, Maryland. Nestled in a waterside community, MedStar St. Mary's provides advanced technology with a dedication to excellence in all services provided. The not-for-profit hospital has been named among the nation’s Top 100 Hospitals™ and is an eight time recipient of the prestigious Delmarva Medicare Excellence Award. In addition, MSMH received the Maryland Performance Excellence award at the Platinum level in 2014 – the highest in the state. Our staff is committed to providing quality and compassionate medical care for all patients by coupling innovation with our outstanding team of Medical Staff members, associates and volunteers. Visit MedStarStMarys.org to learn more.