Diabetes Program at St. Mary's Earns Specialty Certification

is one of only two Georgia hospitals and 38 in the United States to earn specialty certification for diabetes care from the Joint Commission.

Following an on-site survey in early August, the hospital was awarded The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for advanced inpatient diabetes care, according to a news release. The diabetes certification is the fourth Joint Commission disease-specific certification that St. Mary's has received, along with advanced stroke care, heart failure care, and total knee replacement.

The hospital was found to be in compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients and families including the medical management of diabetes, patient safety, and comprehensive patient education.

“Diabetes is one of the top contributing factors to cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart attack, as well as being one of the leading causes of amputations, blindness and other disabilities,” said Diabetes Education Coordinator Beth Melvin, MA, RD, LD, CDE, in a released statement. “Through aggressive identification, intervention and education, we are helping our patients control their diabetes and prevent complications.”

Find out more about diabetes and the hospital's certification.