CALL TO ACTION
IMPROVING CARE AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF PEOPLE WITH DIABETES IN OHIO
A Joint Statement and Commitment
In order to improve the health of Ohioans with Diabetes mellitus,
many individuals and organizations must be committed to long term, culturally and organizationally appropriate, evidence based effective health care and support. The following resolution recognizes the serious and complex issue and highlights our commitment to a shared purpose of Improving Care and Quality of Life of People with Diabetes in Ohio through commitment to common goals.
Whereas, Diabetes is a serious disease that affects 16 million Americans and their families; and,
Whereas, Diabetes is the 5th leading cause of death in Ohio and Ohio has the 2nd highest Diabetes death rate in the United States; and,
Whereas, the prevalence of Diabetes in Ohio is higher than the national average (7.2 vs. 5.9% of the population); and,
Whereas, Ohioans experience significant complications and suffering including amputations, blindness, kidney failure and heart disease because of their diabetes; and,
Whereas, key studies document that a sustained reduction of hyperglycemia reduces complications of Diabetes, resulting in improved quality of life and significant cost savings. For every 10% reduction in HbA1c concentration, the relative risk of complications is reduced by 40%; and,
Whereas, Diabetes mellitus is a complex disease requiring continuous patient and family education, responsibility and support; ongoing medical care; community understanding and significant resources; and,
Whereas, achieving the goals for improved Care and Quality of Life for those who have Diabetes is a challenge. The state of Ohio has resources such as the Ohio Diabetes Task Force, physicians and other health professional groups, health plans, insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and state and local diabetes organizations (e.g. ADA, JDRF, CODA, etc.) which if working together on common goals, in partnership and in a coordinated manner will be more successful than if working alone.
The organizations signing below fully endorse the Diabetes Clinical Practice Recommendations of the American Diabetes Association, AND commit to the following common goals:
l
All persons with Diabetes must be actively supported to achieve and maintain an HbA1c of less than 7%.
l Encourage health professionals and health organizations to support each of their individual patients to achieve a HbA1c of less than 7%.
l Health professionals and health organizations support the value and provision of quality comprehensive diabetes education which includes diabetes self care management and health promoting behaviors.
Signing Entities (have endorsed) ( as of 10/19/01…)
Ohio Department of Health
Columbus Health Department
Central Ohio Medical Directors Coalition
OhioHealth Plan/OSMA Medical Directors Task Force
OhioHealth Group, Ltd.
The Medical Group of Ohio
Nationwide Health Plans
CareSource
OSU Managed Health
Signing entities (to be asked) (examples only)
Ohio Diabetes Task Force Health Plan X, Y, etc. Physician Groups
Ohio Commission on Minority Health Hospital Systems, etc.
American Diabetes Association-Ohio
Ohio Hospital Assn.
American Diabetes Association Ohio Regional Affiliates KePro
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Central Ohio Diabetes Association
Ohio State Medical Association
Ohio Association of Certified Diabetes Educators
American Dietetics Association-Ohio
Ohio Primary Care Association
Ohio Association of Health Commissioners (all 148 local health departments too!)
American College of Clinical Endocrinologists -Ohio??? (correct name?)
Ohio Academy of Family Practice (regional affiliates too.)
American College of Physicians-Ohio
American Academy of Pediatrics-Ohio (regional affiliates too.)
Urban Leagues of Ohio
Comprehensive Diabetes Clinical Practice Recommendations –2001
Available from http://www.diabetes.org
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