Our Mission: Dedicated to Promoting the Role of the Diabetes Educator and to Improving the Quality of Diabetes Education and Care.
A Message from the President - Joan Hill, RD, LDN, CDE
DEEM Meeting Report: 1/24/2008
I can’t believe, that as the President of DEEM, the year is going by so quickly. I’m enjoying the Pat’s and an awesome 18-0 record. I have to say that DEEM showed we were just as a dedicated group of people with a common goal in mind, caring for people with diabetes! We came out in droves for our winter meeting. There were new members that have joined our group to hear the discussion reported on below:
Diabetes in the Elderly What a great event this was with over 40participants in attendance. The attention to Dr. Medha Munshi and her review of the issues in caring for this population was timely. She defined who the elderly are along with ways to assess the patient’s ability to function. Dr. Munshi discussed that if there is dysfunction, then these clients we care for are at a higher risk for complications. No matter where the elderly reside, independently, assisted living, nursing home or at home with a family member, the elderly want one thing: to remain independent. As care givers we want to be able to help them accomplish this.
Giving a great overview of the assessment process Dr. Mushi shared the tools you can use such as the MMSE and CIB in helping to determine an appropriate treatment plan. Upon identification of executive dysfunction, more realistic goals can be outlined. Everyone in attendance was raving about the model of care using a “team” approach for this clientele. In closing she gave accolades to the team! The pictures she shared prove what a wonderful and cohesive group they are.
Information that she presented will be available on DEEM website.
Upcoming Events:
DEEM is looking to have a presence at the Diabetes Expo, March 15th at the World Trade Center. Be sure to let Judy Pentedemos know if you want to volunteer your time there! You can participate as one of the “Diabetes Coaches” or in the screening world! You do not need to work all day, just giving a little of time is all we ask!
Mark your calendar for the Spring Meeting in Waltham, on April 1st. NO FOOLS!
The Diabetes Educators of Eastern Massachusetts (DEEM) is a chapter of the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) began as a group of eight diabetes teaching nurses in August 1984. These nurses who lived within a 25-mile radius of Brockton, Massachusetts met to discuss the formation of a support group to meet on a regular basis for the purpose of sharing resources, discussing issues, and advancing the education of people with diabetes.
The first meeting was held October 25, 1984. By January 1985 the group had defined a purpose, set goals, and established bylaws. The group met monthly and grew to twelve. The name DEEM evolved.
By June of 1985 the group had grown to 24 members including educators from Boston and north, west, and south of the city. In April of 1986 the group applied to become an affiliate of AADE (the American Association of Diabetes Educators). It was made an official chapter of AADE in August of that year.
DEEM today has a membership of over 100.Those original goals of setting standards for diabetes education and improving the quality of care for people with diabetes remain an integral part of the organization.
