The Conundrum of Diabetes Care: It's More Than Counting Carbs

Student Member Price: $10.00

Diabetes is a challenging, complex and expensive chronic disease. The annual cost of diabetes in the United States is estimated at $327 billion. Diabetes is unique among chronic diseases as it is almost entirely self-managed by the individual, parent or caregiver rather than a health care provider. Diabetes care is composed of several components including medical nutrition therapy, medications, devices, technology and supplies. However, less well-known factors, such as non-medical switching, insurance coverage, co-pay accumulators and rebates, also significantly affect diabetes outcomes. This session will address these and other non-direct patient care issues that could negatively impact the health and wellbeing of persons with diabetes. The aim of this presentation is to equip RDNs to understand how these issues affect their patients' outcomes as much as direct diabetes care.

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1.0

Performance Indicators

• 12.2.5 Collaborates with stakeholders to determine level of support, opportunities and risks.
• 3.3.5 Advocates for financial support and insurance coverage for patients / clients to ensure access to nutrition services.
• 4.1.1 Demonstrates effective problem solving and professional judgment to address needs

Learning Objectives

• Identify at least three non-direct care challenges persons with diabetes may encounter which could seriously affect their diabetes management.
• Describe how the three main types of insurance coverage (commercial, Medicare and Medicaid) influences the type of care received by persons with diabetes.
• List at least two solutions the RDN can use to assist their patients with diabetes improve their health outcomes.

Speakers

• Alyce Thomas
• Donna Ryan