Dear Chapter Members,

Diabetes is widely recognized as one of the top public health threats currently facing the United States and many other countries worldwide. The key to controlling diabetes is education.  Diabetes self-management training provides critical knowledge and skills training to patients with diabetes and is proven to be effective in helping to reduce the risks and complications of diabetes. Studies have found that patients under the care of a certified diabetes educator are better able to control their diabetes and report improvement in their health status. The Healthy People 2010 objective for diabetes education is to provide formal diabetes education to 60% of persons with diabetes.

Our goal at SFBAADE (San Francisco Bay Area Association of Diabetes Educators) is to provide continuing education and learning events as well as providing a venue of networking and support for our members. As the diabetes epidemic grows your role as diabetes educator becomes that much more vital. Our Chapter is here to provide a network so that we can work together in identifying challenges we all face and work on successful solutions together. Some of these challenges include:

·         the shortage of diabetes educators,

·         hurdles in obtaining Certification,

·         keeping current with rapidly evolving therapies and treatment options,  and

·         reimbursement for diabetes education services.

Throughout the year we offer general meetings that include an education component and most importantly, an opportunity to meet other educators in the area. The Becoming a Diabetes Educator program has been extremely successful and as interest remains strong we continue to offer it annually in San Francisco.  This course is designed for the healthcare professional that wants to enter the field of diabetes education but needs entry level training.

Our membership is growing rapidly and I encourage you all to get involved on whatever level you are able to. We can gain so much by pooling our ideas, resources, and solutions.

 Marlene Bedrich RNC, MS, CDE

2009 Chapter President