The Diabetes Center at Wesley Medical Center Earns AADE Diabetes Education Program Accreditation  

Hattiesburg, MS – The Diabetes Center at Wesley Medical Center was recently named an accredited diabetes education program by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE). This will allow residents in and around Hattiesburg increased access to critical diabetes education services.

“For people diagnosed with diabetes, one of the greatest challenges is learning how to manage their disease,” said Hannah Thompson, Diabetes Center Coordinator. “We’re working to make sure they have a source for good information about how to do that.”

Diabetes education is a collaborative process through which people with or at risk for diabetes gain the knowledge and skills needed to modify behavior and successfully self-manage the disease and its related conditions. It is provided by diabetes educators.

“Trends show that diabetes education is moving out of the hospital and into the community, so AADE’s accreditation program was created, in part, to encourage diabetes education where the patient is seeking care,” said Leslie E. Kolb, RN, BSN, MBA, Program Director, Diabetes Education Accreditation Program.  “The Diabetes Center at Wesley Medical Center is exactly the type of program we envisioned when we set up our accreditation program in 2009.”

The Diabetes Center has also partnered with Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), Dr. Lara Otaigbe to give participants practical diabetes management options they may not have elsewhere. Dr. Otaigbe is also an alumni of the Johnson and Johnson Diabetes Institute, trained in insulin pump management.

“When armed with the right tools, diabetes is very manageable for most patients,” said Dr. Otaigbe. “I can give patients the knowledge they need to stay in control.” 

The Diabetes Center, located at the Institute for Wellness and Sports Medicine on the Wesley campus, will offer diabetes education classes beginning January 23.  To enroll in education classes, call 601-268-8095.