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Improving Patients' Self-Management Of Diabetes

Date: 11/28/17

According to America’s Health Rankings’ 2016 report, nearly 13 percent of adults in Louisiana have been diagnosed with diabetes by a health professional. The American Diabetes Association estimates that an additional 37 percent of the state’s population have prediabetes. Research from the American Diabetes Association has also shown that the medical expenses of people with diabetes are more than two times higher than those who do not have the condition. Here in Louisiana, in 2012, total direct medical expenses related to diabetes (both diagnosed and undiagnosed) was estimated at more than $4 billion.

Tips For Primary Care Providers

The American Diabetes Association has consistently recognized the importance of Primary Care Providers (PCPs) in helping their patients manage diabetes. To help PCPs improve patients’ self-management of their conditions, the association recommends using Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques to help patients adopt the behavioral changes necessary to manage diabetes. These techniques include:

  1. Building rapport with patients and encourage them to discuss how they’re managing their condition.
  2. Sharing advice and information from a position of support and patient choice.
  3. Assessing and exploring patients’ confidence and abilities.
  4. Planning action steps with patients and exploring potential barriers.
  5. Following up to remind patients about goals and to provide encouragement.

We Can Help

Louisiana Healthcare Connections offers regular training and education opportunities to assist providers, including training in Motivational Interviewing. Visit www.envolveu.com to view and register for upcoming educational and training sessions. Questions about these training sessions may be directed via email to clinicaltraining@cenpatico.com.

Don’t forget: We also offer a comprehensive Case Management program to help our members achieve the highest possible levels of wellness, functioning and quality of life. Our Case Managers are here to support your efforts to improve outcomes for your patients – our members. To learn more about our Case Management program, check out our Provider Manual, call Provider Services at 1-866-595-8133, or click here to refer a Louisiana Healthcare Connections member to Case Management.