News & Events

Pam Mazza, Nurse Practitioner

Did you know that Diabetes is the fastest growing disease in America? One in four Americans have diabetes or are at serious risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Unwilling to sit on the sidelines, LMA physicians and clinical staff are standing up to the greatest public health crisis of the next quarter century. "Diabetes management and treatment are at the of top disease states that we treat in primary care", notes Dr. John Davis, Medical Director, West Ashley Diabetes Education Program.

The trends are astounding. In an effort to prevent, identify and treat diabetes, a diabetes education program at West Ashley Primary Care earned recognition from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). This esteemed credential involves an articulate application process and uses a team approach in managing diabetes. ADA recognition ensures that the program is meeting or exceeding national standards in the management of diabetes.

Meet Pam Mazza, Nurse Practitioner at West Ashley Primary Care. Pam is a certified diabetes educator and Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management. She implemented the application process for the program to become recognized. "The process was an enormous task, but well worth the effort", says Pam. "As a recognized diabetes education center we help our patients and the community focus self-care behaviors that are essential for managing diabetes, preventing complications and improving quality of life."

Pam regularly holds group meetings for patients and family members. The meetings are led by a team of diabetes specialists that includes RNs, dieticians, and foot care specialists. Through the group interaction, the following healthy habits are addressed:

• Healthy eating
• Being active
• Monitoring
• Taking medication
• Problem solving
• Healthy coping
• Reducing risks

"The end results are very rewarding," Pam adds. "Our goal is to focus on helping people prevent and control diabetes and related conditions. Implementing behavior change and healthy habits lead to better clinical outcomes and improved health status."

April 28-May 2 is National ADA Volunteer Week. Visit www.diabetes.org for education and information on diabetes.