POMPTON PLAINS The Comprehensive Diabetes Self-Management Education program at Chilton Memorial Hospital has received recognition from the American Diabetes Association. The recognition effort is a voluntary process, which assures that approved education programs have met the 10 national standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education programs. “Achieving program recognition from the American Diabetes Association identifies the hospital as having a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide state-of-the-art education about diabetes self-management for the patients in our community,” said Elizabeth Lesnevich, RD, CDE, who helped the hospital attain the status. The program provides people with comprehensive initial assessments with a registered nurse and registered dietitian who are both Certified Diabetes Educators; in-depth education, including an overview of diabetes, blood glucose monitoring, hyper/hypoglycemia, diet and meal planning, medications, foot and eye care, dental hygiene, how to avoid health complications, and the importance of being active. In addition, goal setting and tracking progress towards goals is emphasized and participants are invited to be a part of a diabetes support group.