MINNEAPOLIS (November 19, 2009) -- The advanced inpatient diabetes program at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview is the first program in Minnesota and the first academic medical center in the nation to receive The Joint Commission's disease-specific care certification for advanced inpatient diabetes care.

Awarded in November by the non-profit accreditation and certification organization, the certificate of distinction recognizes hospitals that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for any patient admitted with the diagnosis of diabetes.

“Diabetes is a serious health problem that demands attention,” says Carol Manchester, diabetes clinical nurse specialist. “By embedding evidence-based care standards across all service lines and patient populations, individuals with diabetes are provided optimal care regardless if they have an outpatient procedure or are admitted on an emergent basis for surgery.”

In the past year, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview provided glycemic management, care and education to more than 2,250 inpatients with diabetes or stress-induced hyperglycemia. The incidence of hyperglycemia has been reduced significantly since 2001. In addition, the medical center has implemented innovative insulin delivery devices, coordinated care across disciplines, improved diabetes competencies among professional staff, and set up wireless point-of-care glucose monitoring technology.

The program is anchored by compliance with consensus-based national standards, effective use of established clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care, and an organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities.

"Scientific innovation has always been at the core of University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview's philosophy,” says Asad Saeed, M.D., medical director, diabetes management team. “Creating and implementing a dedicated diabetes management team and its recent certification from the Joint Commission is another step in this direction. Because of this work, the medical center can manage a variety of complex patients. This translates to improved quality of care and improved clinical outcomes."