Terry Tilleczek, NE LHIN senior director, participated in the Stand Up to Diabetes Tour which made stops in Northern Ontario in August. Tilleczek highlighted the work of the North East LHIN’s Diabetes Management Steering Committee in helping to ensure local programs and services for people living in Northeastern Ontario.
North East LHIN stands up to diabetes
When you stand up to diabetes, you don't have to stand alone. That was the theme of the Stand Up to Diabetes Tour, which made stops in Sudbury and North Bay in August. The tour, hosted by the Ontario Diabetes Strategy, set up booths in local malls to educate people about diabetes prevention and self-management, while providing individuals with the opportunity to speak to a diabetes educator or dietitian.
Diabetes is prevalent in northeastern Ontario where approximately 12 per cent of the population are directly affected by the disease, compared to 10 per cent of Ontarians as a whole. The statistics are even more staggering for people living along the Hudson Bay and James Bay coasts where 24 per cent of the population live with diabetes.
The North East LHIN's Diabetes Management Steering Committee is made up of clinical and information system leaders across the region. It guides the NE LHIN in meeting the objectives of the Ontario Diabetes Strategy.
Following extensive consultation with committee members, several diabetes care programs were expanded in 2009, including the Sudbury Diabetes Education and Care Program; Sudbury Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre; Moose Factory Patient Care and Diabetes Health Program; Little Current Health Access Centre; Timmins Community Health Centre; and Cutler Community Health Access.
Each site received a full-time registered nurse and a full-time registered dietitian. In addition, the Sudbury Diabetes and Education and Care Program received NE LHIN support to expand its video conference program. This program gives people living in remote areas access to diabetes services without having to leave their home community.
"Many times in the past, clients who travelled long distances were upset, tired and worried about what the weather would be like driving back to their hometown," noted Denise Boutet, a nurse with the Sudbury Diabetes Education Program. "With the videoconferencing, I notice that patients are more relaxed and feel that they have more time to discuss diabetes care issues that are of concern to them."
