Henry Ford Macomb Earns National Diabetes Recognition

CLINTON TOWNSHIP – Henry Ford Macomb Hospital has been nationally recognized for the quality of its diabetes prevention program.

The hospital is the first in Macomb County to earn “full recognition” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which awards the designation to organizations that “deliver quality, evidence-based” diabetes prevention programs. Organizations must also meet a series of criteria to qualify for recognition consideration.

Henry Ford Macomb is among 14 organizations statewide and 250 nationally to earn the designation. The diabetes prevention program is a partnership between the hospital and Henry Ford Macomb Faith Community Nursing Network.

“We are honored to achieve this CDC designation,” says Henry Ford Macomb President and CEO Barbara Rossmann. “The prevalence of diabetes touches more people than we realize in Macomb County and beyond. The individuals who come through our program have access to a curriculum of classes and support proven to help them make sustainable lifestyle changes while improving their overall health.”

Rossmann lauded the leadership efforts of Marian Giacona, R.N., and Ameldia Brown, R.N., who co-lead the program, for “making this designation possible.” The designation is good for two years, after which Henry Ford Macomb would have to be reapply and undergo an evaluation.

Geared for patients diagnosed with prediabetes, the program seeks to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. More than 350 patients have enrolled in the program since its inception in 2015. On average, they have each lost 7 percent of their body weight.

Under Henry Ford Macomb ‘s year-long program, patients diagnosed to have prediabetes meet with a trained lifestyle coach who offers advice and support for:

• Eating healthy.
• Adding physical activity to their daily routine.
• Dealing with stress.
• Staying motivated and overcoming barriers.

More than 84 million Americans are living with prediabetes – 2.6 million in Michigan alone – and nearly 90 percent of them don’t know they have it and aren’t aware of the long-term health risks. Prediabetes is a condition in which the blood glucose, or A1C levels, are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes.

A person with prediabetes is at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and other serious, long-term health issues such as heart attack and stroke. However, prediabetes can often be reversed through lifestyle changes like weight loss, healthy eating, and increased physical activity.

Programs recognized by the CDC are based on research led by the National Institutes of Health. This research shows that people with prediabetes who take part in a structured lifestyle change program reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.

Long-term results are equally striking: participants are one-third less likely to develop type 2 diabetes 10 years after completing the program. Additionally, participants lose 5-7 percent of their body weight by eating healthier and engaging in 150 minutes of physical activity every week.

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MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / David.Olejarz@hfhs.org / 313.874.4094