Diabetes affects an estimated 18 million people in the United States by impacting the body’s ability to produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that transports sugar molecules from the bloodstream to their body’s tissues have, where they can be used for energy and metabolism. People with diabetes either have a deficiency in insulin levels or their body’s tissues have become resistant to the actions of insulin. Nearly 50 percent of diabetics are unaware that they have the condition.

Complications of diabetes, which usually take 10-15 years to develop after the onset of the disease, are related to the damage to organs caused by high blood sugar. The most commonly damaged organs include the eyes, nerves, blood vessels, kidneys and immune system.

Although the disease has no cure, patients can successfully manage their condition and prevent or delay complications of the disease. The Lancaster General Medical Group (LGMG) Staged Diabetes Management (SDM) Program has earned a national reputation for helping people with diabetes. For three straight years, the LGMG program achieved 90th percentile ranking or better in nearly all of the outcomes established by the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA). David W. Bowers, MD, LGMG Director of Clinical Affairs, notes that the program has been especially successful in improving patients’ control of their blood sugars and reducing the risk of diabetic complications.

The SDM program succeeds, in part, because of its emphasis on education and personal responsibility. LGMG, in conjunction with the Lancaster General Diabetes & Nutrition Center, has a program to educate diabetes patients on how to make wise healthcare decisions.

"One of every six healthcare dollars is spent on people with diabetes and its complications," says Dr. Bowers. "By teaching healthy lifestyles, we have been able to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugars more effectively and thus reduce their risk of developing complications."

Although the ultimate goal of the SDM program is to help people avoid a trip to the hospital, Lancaster General Hospital’s inpatient program for diabetics is also nationally recognized.

"Successful diabetes management involves coordination and communication between all caregivers. We’re thankful to have a committed and knowledgeable team," says Dr. Bowers.