BRUNSWICK — The realization of a two-year-long planning process will help area diabetics manage their illness and learn about proper care.

The Mid Coast Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology is part of Mid Coast Hospital’s 10-year plan, “2020 Vision,” focusing on creating and offering prevention services for individuals with chronic medical conditions.

“By consolidating comprehensive diabetes care and education in a single, convenient location, individuals are able to focus their time and energy on improving their health, rather than on navigating a fragmented health-care system,” said Steve Trockman, Mid Coast Health Services director of community relations and outreach. “There is no just one office to visit, one medical record, and one team working together with a patient’s primary care provider to take an active role in managing their disease.

The center is open to any adult with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes with referral from a primary-care physician or hospital staff. Education and treatment is also available to pregnant women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Trockman said that through the center’s educational component patients can receive help ranging from insulin pump training to meal planning.

“By supporting diabetes self-care and management, the Mid Coast Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology aims to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, which account for almost $7 million of annual health care expenses in Maine,” he said.

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The center, at the hospital’s Cook’s Corner campus, will initially offer only outpatient care, but will take referrals from the hospital’s inpatient programs. Officials hope that through programs at the center, people will be better able to care for themselves without having to travel too far from home.

“The center helps Mid Coast Hospital fulfill its goal to keep people well,” Trockman said. “Patients are educated about their medical issue, provided appropriate, evidence-based care and receive this care in their community by our community providers.”

For more information or the schedule an appointment, call the Mid Coast Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology at 406-7290.

Amber Cronin can be reached at acronin@theforecaster.net or 781-3661 ext. 125. Follow her on Twitter @croninamber.

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Alison Fernald, left, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, and Carold Freshley, nurse educator and certified diabetes educator, lead education services at the new Mid Coast Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology in Brunswick.


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