Photo: Daniel Leon and his son enjoy a healthier life with the guidance and support of the Valley Regional Medical Center’s Diabetes Management Center.

Brownsville, Texas – August 1, 2016 – Valley Regional Medical Center’s Diabetes Management Center has recently renewed its status as an accredited diabetes education program by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), a National Accredited Organization (NAO), certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This allows people with diabetes in and around Brownsville increased access to high quality diabetes education services.

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. This comprehensive program is taught by diabetes educators who have extensive training.

In 2014, Daniel Leon committed to improving his health after a daunting visit with his family physician. During that health visit he learned his A1C test (the test that shows a person’s average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months) resulted in a level of 13 percent. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, normal levels are below 5.7 percent. His doctor explained the health complications associated with diabetes which included kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, and nerve damage. It was at this time that Daniel decided to get his health under control and made an appointment with the Diabetes Management Center.

“I was scared. My youngest son was a year old and I realized I needed to change my life in order to live a longer one for my kids and my wife,” said Daniel Leon.

His first visit was with Rosary Munoz, Nurse Practitioner and Diabetes Educator who taught him how to make healthier food choices, about portion control, and even how to read food labels. “I was surprised at how much sugar some of my favorite foods had. I had no idea what I was putting into my body,” Daniel added. Daniel changed his eating habits and began exercising as well. He incorporated exercise with the time he spends with his family. As a family they now go for walks in their neighborhood and ride bikes at a nearby bike trail.

Daniel’s lifestyle modifications have improved his overall health. He says he sleeps better, has more energy and is now off the medications which included three different diabetes medications and eye drops for eye pressure he suffered. “I only take vitamins now,” Daniel said with a smile. Over the past two years he has lost 45 pounds, reduced his A1C levels to 4.8 percent, as well as his blood pressure to 120/60. “I feel great!”

The Diabetes Management Center, located at Valley Regional Medical, 100 E. Alton Gloor, Brownsville, is now offering diabetes education classes every other Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Center’s hours of operation are Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Saturdays, by appointment only, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

“Valley Regional Medical Center is committed to improving the health outcomes of all people with diabetes by offering patient-focused, quality care,” said Rosalinda Coronado, Diabetes Management Center Manager. “Our diabetes educators provide our community with the information and tools needed to manage diabetes and live a healthier more dynamic life.”

“AADE’s accreditation assures that an accredited program meets the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support.  Programs who meet these criteria are considered high quality and have been shown to improve the health status of the individuals who embrace the education and help to modify sometimes unhealthy behaviors, or simply provide the education that the person with diabetes has not previously received” said Leslie E. Kolb, RN, BSN, MBA, Accreditation Director for the Diabetes Education Accreditation Program.  “The Diabetes Management Center is exactly the type of program we envisioned when we set up our accreditation in 2009.”

About Valley Regional Medical Center
Valley Regional Medical Center is conveniently located at the corner of Expressway 77 and Alton Gloor Boulevard in Brownsville. With physicians representing over 25 specialties, Valley Regional Medical Center is a leader in a vast array of high quality programs, including advanced diagnostic imaging, interventional cardiac catheterization, open heart surgery, laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeries, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, women’s services, pediatric services and neonatal intensive care. Valley Regional Medical is nationally recognized by The Joint Commission as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center and our Emergency Department is designated as an Advanced Level III Trauma Center treating a wide range of emergent needs 24 hours a day. For more information on Valley Regional Medical Center’s programs and services, visit our website at www.ValleyRegionalMedicalCenter.com.

About HCA Gulf Coast Division
HCA Gulf Coast Division is a comprehensive network of hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, emergency centers and diagnostic imaging facilities. It offers a complete continuum of specialized health programs and services that meet the needs of Greater Houston and South Texas’ residents and businesses. HCA affiliated facilities in the Gulf Coast Division include: 13 hospitals, eight ambulatory centers, 7 off-campus emergency centers, and a regional transfer center that provides one-phone-call access and support for patient transfers into and out of the HCA Gulf Coast Division Affiliated Hospitals, as well as access to ground and air transportation within a 150-mile radius. For more information, visit our website at www.HCAGulfCoast.com.